1988 BMW M5 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 M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2010 Lexus IS. (306 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2010 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lexus IS weights approximately 27 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
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, 2010 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2010 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5. 2010 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2010 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M5 | IS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
