1998 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2001 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus IS (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lexus IS weights approximately 175 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 2001 Lexus IS (298 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2001 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 318 | IS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 66 L |
