1988 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Lexus GS
To start off, 2009 Lexus GS is newer by 21 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus GS (303 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus GS weights approximately 565 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, 2009 Lexus GS (372 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2009 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. 2009 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2009 Lexus GS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M3 | GS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 71 L |
