1988 BMW 535 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (254 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 90 L |
