2009 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2012 Lexus IS 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. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M3 | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
