1988 BMW 535 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B 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, 1988 BMW 535 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 535 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 BMW 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | B |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 250 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 | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 54 L |
