1983 BMW 525 vs. 1988 Lexus LS
To start off, 1988 Lexus LS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lexus LS weights approximately 565 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. 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, 1988 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 525. (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 525. 1988 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1988 Lexus LS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 525 | LS |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 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 | 1250 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2820 mm |
