1988 BMW 535 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 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 33 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1988 BMW 535.
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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520. 2011 BMW 520 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. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 535 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 535 | 520 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 310 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1670 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |