1980 BMW M1 vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2009 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 234 kg more than 1980 BMW M1.
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, 1980 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lexus IS. 2009 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M1 | IS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 262 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2740 mm |
