2006 Lexus IS vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 2006 Lexus IS is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2006 Lexus IS. (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2006 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus IS weights approximately 315 kg more than 1981 BMW M1.
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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lexus IS. (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lexus IS. 2006 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lexus IS | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Lexus | BMW |
| Model | IS | M1 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 116 L |
