1998 BMW M vs. 2008 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2008 Lexus IS. (211 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2008 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 165 kg more than 1998 BMW M.
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, 1998 BMW M (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS. 2008 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW M has manual transmission. 1998 BMW M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 2008 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M | IS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
