1988 BMW M5 vs. 2012 Lexus LS
To start off, 2012 Lexus LS is newer by 24 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus LS (380 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1988 BMW M5. (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus LS weights approximately 290 kg more than 1988 BMW M5. 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 LS (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5. 2012 Lexus LS 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. 2012 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2012 Lexus LS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M5 | LS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 497 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4100 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 | 2023 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3091 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
