1988 BMW M5 vs. 2009 BMW 535
To start off, 2009 BMW 535 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2009 BMW 535. (268 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 535 weights approximately 2 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
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, 2009 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5. 2009 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2009 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
