2008 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 210 kg more than 2008 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, 2011 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 320 | IS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 5000 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 | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
