1995 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Lexus ES
To start off, 1996 Lexus ES is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1996 Lexus ES. (210 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lexus ES. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lexus ES weights approximately 65 kg more than 1995 BMW M3.
Because 1995 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1995 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lexus ES, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1995 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lexus ES. (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lexus ES. 1996 Lexus ES has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Lexus ES will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M3 | 1996 Lexus ES | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M3 | ES |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2988 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
