1988 BMW 535 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 Mercedes-Benz CLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 80 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, 1988 BMW 535 (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
