1973 BMW 525 vs. 2002 Lexus IS
To start off, 2002 Lexus IS is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1973 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus IS weights approximately 20 kg more than 1973 BMW 525. 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 525 (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lexus IS. 2002 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 525 | 2002 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 525 | IS |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
