1988 BMW 535 vs. 2008 BMW 545
To start off, 2008 BMW 545 is newer by 20 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 545 weights approximately 445 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, 2008 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2008 BMW 545 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 545 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
