1987 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Lexus IS
To start off, 2002 Lexus IS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus IS weights approximately 434 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. 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, 2002 Lexus IS (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 2002 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 318 | IS |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
