1998 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (150 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 45 kg more than 1998 BMW 320.
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 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 320 | IS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
