1988 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS 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 4,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 500 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 IS (503 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2009 Lexus IS 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 IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M3 | IS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 4969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 503 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
