2004 BMW 318 vs. 1988 BMW 535
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 16 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 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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, 1988 BMW 535 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1988 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
