1988 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Lexus GS
To start off, 2004 Lexus GS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lexus GS (220 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lexus GS weights approximately 364 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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, 2004 Lexus GS (296 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2004 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2004 Lexus GS has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2004 Lexus GS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M3 | GS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 75 L |
