2009 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Lexus LS
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lexus LS would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1988 Lexus LS. (242 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lexus LS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lexus LS weights approximately 430 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lexus LS. (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lexus LS. 1988 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1988 Lexus LS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M3 | LS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2820 mm |
