1996 BMW 535 vs. 1998 BMW 320
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 162 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 1998 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
