1996 BMW 535 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 16 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 53 more horse power than 2012 BMW 320. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 535. (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
