1988 BMW 535 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 375 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 330 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
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 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 535 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
