1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 24 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 220 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, 2012 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 426 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
