1973 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 297 kg more than 1973 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 3 | IS |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
