2008 BMW 523 vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS.
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, 2001 Lexus IS (247 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2001 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 523 | IS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
