2003 Lexus IS vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Lexus IS. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lexus | BMW |
| Model | IS | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
