2001 Lexus IS vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS.
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, 2008 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (247 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS. 2008 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2001 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2001 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lexus IS | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Lexus | BMW |
| Model | IS | 525 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
