1991 BMW Z1 vs. 1997 Lexus LS
To start off, 1997 Lexus LS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 3,967 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lexus LS (280 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1991 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus LS weights approximately 565 kg more than 1991 BMW Z1. 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, 1997 Lexus LS (398 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW Z1. 1997 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1991 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1991 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW Z1 | 1997 Lexus LS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | Z1 | LS |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 398 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2800 mm |
