1988 BMW 525 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 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1988 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 will offer significantly more control. 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 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
