I have a 1999 GS300 and I've been thinking about this topic for a while and was wondering how come the BMW 530 and GS300(2001-05) are just about rated at the same performance specs but the Bimmer is faster. If there's someone who could answer this question I would appreciate it. Is it the fact that their engines breath better than ours or is it other variables?

 

You mean 540, not 530, right?

1997 BMW 528i (auto) 7.5 15.8
1997 BMW 528i (manual) 6.8 15.3
2001 BMW 528i 7.8 16.1
1997 BMW 540i 6.2 14.6
1998 BMW 540i Sport 5.5 14.0
2001 BMW 540i (Automatic) 5.7 14.3
2001 BMW 540i 6-Speed 5.5 14.0

1998 Lexus GS 300 7.6 15.7
1998 Lexus GS 400 5.8 14.3
2002 Lexus GS 430 5.8 14.3 (Lexus.com)

Looks like the 528 is close to the 300 and the 540 to the 400.

 

2002 BMW 530i

Rated at 225 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque, the three-liter mill uses BMW's advanced double VANOS variable valve timing system along with electronic throttle control and reconfigured intake manifold runners to achieve maximum performance flexibility. There's still considerably less power on tap than many of its rivals but, like so many BMW sedans before it, the 530i manages to feel more fleet of foot than its specifications would suggest.

Low-end thrust isn't overwhelming, but once underway, the silky six churns out more than enough power and torque to keep things entertaining. Run it right up against the redline and the engine never flinches, singing an unruffled tune that'll make you believe it could stay there all day without a hiccup — it undoubtedly could. A 0-to-60-mph time of just 6.5 seconds confirmed our suspicions that the car is quicker than the horsepower number would imply.

A new gen 2004 530i with the same engine does 0-60 in 7.2

 

Shadow, can you tell us the reference for the Bimmer being faster? (not saying it isn't)
Was it a magazine test? Dragstrip witness? The details would help.

BMW absolutely knows how to get excellent power from a 6 cylinder, more than Lexus does. Just witness the M3 which is phenomenal machine since around 2000 or so putting out 330hp and revving to 8000rpm. (M3)
Perhaps some of that knowledge is in their regular 6 cyl. also.

Anywho, the Bimmer also has a history of deeper gearing which helps acceleration as well.

 

It was no particular reference to the bmw being faster, i was just curious, but I believe GS Kid 300 answered my question with the comparison to the 2002 530. I suppose BMW really can tweak out some inline 6s.

 

two things that can make two cars with similar power outputs different are power curves (ie where the peak tq/hp points are, are of the curve etc) as well gearing (number of gears as well as ratios). the bmw also weighs about 150lbs less.