2008 BMW 330 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 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 62 kg more than 2008 BMW 330.
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, 2008 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS. 2008 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2011 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2011 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 330 | IS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
