2008 BMW 320 vs. 1996 BMW 535
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 12 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, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1996 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
