1988 BMW 535 vs. 1974 Holden Statesman
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Holden Statesman (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Holden Statesman weights approximately 5 kg more than 1988 BMW 535. 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, 1974 Holden Statesman (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 1974 Holden Statesman has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Holden Statesman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1974 Holden Statesman | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | 535 | Statesman |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 5042 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2900 mm |
