1990 BMW 518 vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 240 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. 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, 2003 Lexus IS (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 518 | IS |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
