2006 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 268 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus IS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS will offer significantly more control. 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 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS. 2012 Lexus IS 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. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M3 | IS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
