2008 BMW 523 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (150 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 55 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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, 2012 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2012 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. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 523 | IS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
