1966 BMW 1600 vs. 1988 BMW 535
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1600 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 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1600. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1966 BMW 1600. 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 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1600. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 1988 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 1600 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
