1959 BMW 507 vs. 1988 BMW 535
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1959 BMW 507. (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 507. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1959 BMW 507. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 BMW 535 (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 507. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 507.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 507 | 1988 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 507 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 80 L |
