1996 BMW 535 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 10 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 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 360 kg more than 1996 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano (331 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 535. (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
