1988 BMW 535 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 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, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 2012 BMW 525 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. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 535 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 535 | 525 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
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 | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 310 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |