2003 BMW 320 vs. 2006 Lexus IS
To start off, 2006 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus IS (176 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus IS weights approximately 265 kg more than 2003 BMW 320. 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, 2006 Lexus IS (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 2006 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 320 | IS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 15.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
