1996 BMW 540 vs. 1988 Lexus LS
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lexus LS would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1988 Lexus LS. (242 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lexus LS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lexus LS weights approximately 80 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lexus LS. (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lexus LS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1988 Lexus LS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 540 | LS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |
