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 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 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 137 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.
Because 2011 Lexus IS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 320. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS. 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 | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
