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 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 210 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 182 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | M3 | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
