1989 Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 Review and Performance Comparison

Lexus LS Performance Review.

Introduction:

The 1989 Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 is a powered by a Petrol V 8. This variant of the Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 is the 4 speed / Auto version and was first brought out around 1989. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1989 Ferrari F40 LM Competizione 2.9 V8 Twin Turbo and the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 C4.

This particular Lexus LS has a 3969cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant driven by the Lexus Rear Wheel Drive system.

Alternative Petrol V 8's include the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The LS shares its Petrol V 8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo.If you're looking for other similar performing cars which share the LS's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1985 Alfa-Romeo Spider Veloce or the earlier 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1700 kgs (3747 lbs) places the Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 in a similar weight category as the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 and the excellent 2024 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Turbo Convertible, give or take 50kg.

The Lexus LS shares the same bhp with the 2023 Toyota Supra GR 2.0 (255 bhp)

In terms of pure power the 3969cc 32 valve, V 8 engine produces around 250 bhp (186 kW) @ 6500 rpm which is comparable to the 2023 Toyota Supra GR 2.0 (255 bhp) and also the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V 8 throws out 260 lb-ft (352.5 Nm) @ 4400 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 BYD Sealion 7 Comfort (280 lb-ft) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If you look at both power or torque of the 1989 Lexus LS in comparison with its weight you get a much more accurate idea of its real world performance.

The 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (172.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Lexus LS.

The Lexus LS has a power to weight ratio of 147.0 bhp per ton. Bhp per ton figures of the 1989 LS 400 4.0 V8 means you're competing with the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (172.0 bhp per ton) and the equally quick 2011 Audi A1 Quattro 2.0 Turbo (172.0 bhp per ton).

Torque to Weight:

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque!. However, torque isn't the whole story, you also need to compare weight as well for more real world comparisons such as torque per ton.

The Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 generates around 152.9 lb-ft per ton. So if you're looking at what cars perform similarly either on the drag strip or at the traffic lights using torque to weight as a benchmark, then look no further than the 1985 Alpine GTA V6 Turbo (177.9 lb-ft per ton) or the similarly performing 2012 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 Supercharged (177.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

The Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 can accelerate 0–60mph in 7.90 secs or 0–100km/h (0–62mph) in 8.2 secs. Acceleration rivals to the Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 include the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (7.90 secs) or the equally as fast to 60mph 2013 Skoda Octavia RS TDI (7.90 secs).

The V 8 engine of the Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 ensures that, ‘on paper’ at least, accelerates slightly faster than the 2011 Citroen DS5 1.6 THP 200 (8.00 secs) and the 2009 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel (8.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 and the Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo

On a longer format for acceleration comparisons the 1989 Lexus LS can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.56 secs with a trap speed around 87.5 mph. Similar performances down the quarter mile drag strip can be found with the the Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo (15.57 seconds @ 87.5 mph) and a close race between the Alpine A310 2.7 V6 (15.57 seconds @ 87.4 mph) too.

Top Speed:

Some modern performance cars are often artificially restricted particularly when it comes to max speed. 155 mph top speed restrictions are often used as part of the German 'Gentleman's Agreement' for example, so be cautious when using maximum speed figures. The 1989 version of the Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 1989 LS equals the Maserati Ghibli 4.7 V8 (154 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what has a similar top end performance to the 1989 Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 then there's the slightly slower the Maserati Ghibli 4.7 V8 (154 mph) or how about the impressive Vauxhall-Opel Vectra 3.2 V6 GSi (154 mph).

— AutoSnout

Figures & Specs Summary:

Related Links:

• 1989 LS Rivals List.
• 1989 LS: Full Review and Comparisons.
• A Brief History of Lexus
• Compare the 1989 Lexus LS