1988 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Lexus GS
To start off, 2012 Lexus GS is newer by 24 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus GS (340 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus GS weights approximately 675 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, 2012 Lexus GS (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2012 Lexus GS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M3 | GS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
