2008 Lexus IS vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lexus IS would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 65 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lexus | BMW |
| Model | IS | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
