1997 Lexus LS vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus LS would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1997 Lexus LS. (280 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lexus LS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus LS weights approximately 160 kg more than 2011 BMW M3.
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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lexus LS. (398 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lexus LS. 1997 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 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:
| 1997 Lexus LS | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Lexus | BMW |
| Model | LS | M3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3967 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 398 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.3 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.5 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 63 L |
