2009 BMW 523 vs. 1988 BMW 535
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 21 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 40 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2009 BMW 523. 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 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1988 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
