1988 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Lexus IS
To start off, 2010 Lexus IS is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 3 kg more than 2010 Lexus IS.
Because 2010 Lexus IS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Lexus IS will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2010 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 520 | IS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
