2009 BMW 120 vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 15 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 120 | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
