1988 BMW 535 vs. 1989 Ford Laser
To start off, 1989 Ford Laser is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 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 113 more horse power than 1989 Ford Laser. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1989 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 535 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Laser, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Laser. (151 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Laser. 1989 Ford Laser 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. 1989 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1989 Ford Laser | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 535 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
