1995 BMW S3 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW S3 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2011 BMW 535. (311 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1995 BMW S3.
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 BMW 535 (600 Nm) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW S3. (260 Nm). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW S3. 2011 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | S3 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
