1988 BMW 535 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 160 kg more than 1988 BMW 535. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 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 | 1610 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3090 mm |
