2004 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 235 kg more than 2004 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, 2009 Lexus IS (503 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320. 2009 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 320 | IS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 503 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
