1988 BMW 535 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 23 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 61 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. 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 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 53 L |
