2001 Acura TL vs. 1988 BMW 535
To start off, 2001 Acura TL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura TL (226 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura TL weights approximately 45 kg more than 1988 BMW 535. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 535 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura TL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 BMW 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura TL. 2001 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura TL | 1988 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | TL | 535 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
