BMW 3 Series Sedan (1998 – 2002) vs Lexus IS (1998 – 2005): specs compared
The BMW 3 Series Sedan is the more powerful of the two, with up to 231 hp against 215 hp. It is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 6.5 s against 8.2 s. It has the higher top speed: 250 km/h against 230 km/h. It uses less fuel, from 5.7 L/100 km against 9.8 L/100 km. It is the lighter car, from 1,285 kg against 1,355 kg. At 4,470 mm, the BMW 3 Series Sedan is 71 mm longer than the Lexus IS.
| Specification |
BMW
3 Series Sedan
1998 – 2002
|
Lexus
IS
1998 – 2005
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Origin | Germany | Japan |
| Documented years | 1998 – 2002 | 1998 – 2005 |
| Body style | Sedan | — |
| Variants | 21 | 5 |
| Fuel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| Gearbox | Automatic · Manual | Automatic · Manual |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 105 – 231 hp | 155 – 213 hp |
| Torque | 165 – 390 Nm | 195 – 400 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.5 – 13.6 s | 8.2 – 9.5 s |
| Top speed | 195 – 250 km/h | 215 – 230 km/h |
| Economy | ||
| Fuel economy | 5.7 – 10.3 L/100 km | 9.8 – 10.8 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,470 mm | 4,399 mm |
| Width | 1,740 mm | 1,720 mm |
| Height | 1,415 mm | 1,420 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,285 – 1,540 kg | 1,355 – 1,475 kg |
Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.