1971 BMW 3 vs. 1999 Lexus IS
To start off, 1999 Lexus IS is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1999 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lexus IS weights approximately 20 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1999 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 3 | IS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
