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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 150 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 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.
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 | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
