1977 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,501 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 175 kg more than 1977 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Lexus IS is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS will offer significantly more control. 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2008 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 520 | IS |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
