1988 BMW 535 vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 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 530 (216 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
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 530 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
