1988 BMW 535 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 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 80 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1988 BMW 535.
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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 535 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 535 | 520 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1951 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 135 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 310 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1670 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |