1988 BMW 535 vs. 2004 BMW 325
To start off, 2004 BMW 325 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 95 more horse power than 2004 BMW 325. (116 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2004 BMW 325. 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 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 325. (222 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 325. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 325 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 | 2004 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 12 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
