2008 Lexus IS vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 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 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2008 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 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 520 | |
| Make | Lexus | BMW |
| Model | IS | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 0 HP | 182 HP |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.1 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
