1981 BMW 528 vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 Lexus IS. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 360 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
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, 2009 Lexus IS (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 528 | IS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 15.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
