2005 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Lexus GS
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lexus GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lexus GS would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus GS (290 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lexus GS weights approximately 342 kg more than 2005 BMW 318. 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, 1998 Lexus GS (415 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318. 1998 Lexus GS has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1998 Lexus GS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 318 | GS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 415 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
