1988 BMW 535 vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2001 Porsche 996 is newer by 13 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2001 Porsche 996.
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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2001 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2001 Porsche 996 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 | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 535 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
