1988 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 624 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 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 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
