1988 BMW 535 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 16 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 63 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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, 1988 BMW 535 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
