1983 BMW 320 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1983 BMW 320. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 320.
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, 2011 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 320. (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 320. 2011 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 320 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
