1998 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang.
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 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Mustang. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Mustang | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | 535 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2968 mm |
