1988 BMW 535 vs. 2012 Audi A4
To start off, 2012 Audi A4 is newer by 24 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 4 more horse power than 2012 Audi A4. (211 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A4 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1988 BMW 535.
Because 2012 Audi A4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 535. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A4 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Audi A4 (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2012 Audi A4 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 535 | A4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2809 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 64 L |
