1980 BMW M5 vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 31 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 351 kg more than 1980 BMW M5.
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 M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS. 2011 Lexus IS 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. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M5 | IS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
