1988 BMW 535 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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, 1988 BMW 535 (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | SE |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
