2006 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Lexus SC
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lexus SC would be higher. At 4,292 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2005 Lexus SC. (278 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lexus SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lexus SC weights approximately 85 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
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, 2005 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2005 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2005 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2005 Lexus SC | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M3 | SC |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 4292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 278 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
