1988 BMW 535 vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 15 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, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 168 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 1988 BMW 535 (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 535 | 2003 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 535 | M3 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 211 HP | 240 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 306 Nm | 300 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85.8 mm |
Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1442 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |