1989 BMW 850 vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 145 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 850 | IS |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
