1988 BMW 520 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. 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, 2011 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
