1988 BMW 535 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200. (122 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200. (178 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 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. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | 200 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
