1988 BMW 535 vs. 2009 BMW 135
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 21 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, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2009 BMW 135.
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, 2009 BMW 135 (401 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 2009 BMW 135 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 135 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2009 BMW 135 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 135 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 53 L |
