1996 BMW 535 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 17 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 BMW 535. (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 205 kg more than 1996 BMW 535. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 535. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 535. (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 535. 2013 BMW 5 Series has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
