1998 Lexus SC vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lexus SC would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus SC (225 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1998 Lexus SC.
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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lexus SC. (290 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lexus SC. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lexus SC has manual transmission. 1998 Lexus SC will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lexus SC | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Lexus | BMW |
| Model | SC | 520 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2968 mm |
