1988 BMW 535 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 17 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 70 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.3 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 | 1520 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
