1988 BMW 535 vs. 1989 Saab 900
To start off, 1989 Saab 900 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 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1989 Saab 900. (185 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1989 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1989 Saab 900. 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 Saab 900, 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Saab 900. (273 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Saab 900. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1989 Saab 900 has manual transmission. 1989 Saab 900 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1989 Saab 900 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 535 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
