1988 BMW 535 vs. 1977 BMW 320
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 320 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 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1977 BMW 320. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1977 BMW 320. 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 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 320. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1977 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 52 L |
