2009 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 13 kg more than 2011 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 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 318 | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
