1997 BMW 850 vs. 2008 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2008 Lexus IS. (216 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 463 kg more than 2008 Lexus IS. 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 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (288 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2008 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 850 | IS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1482 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |
