1988 BMW 535 vs. 1956 Buick 40
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1956 Buick 40.
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, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1956 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 535 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 5279 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 462 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3110 mm |
