1988 BMW 535 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 18 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 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 255 kg more than 1988 BMW 535.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
