2002 BMW 330 vs. 1988 BMW 535
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 14 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, 1988 BMW 535 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2002 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1988 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, 2002 BMW 330 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1988 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
