2009 BMW 530 vs. 1988 BMW 535
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 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, 2009 BMW 530 (268 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
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, 2009 BMW 530 (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1988 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
