1980 BMW M5 vs. 1990 Lexus LS
To start off, 1990 Lexus LS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,968 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lexus LS weights approximately 424 kg more than 1980 BMW M5. 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, 1990 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5. 1990 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1990 Lexus LS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M5 | LS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2820 mm |
