1990 BMW 316 vs. 2006 Lexus IS
To start off, 2006 Lexus IS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus IS (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus IS weights approximately 535 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 2006 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2006 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2006 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 316 | IS |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
