2009 BMW 330 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 330 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2009 BMW 330. (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 395 kg more than 2009 BMW 330. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 330 (500 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 330 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:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 330 | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1365 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
