1993 BMW M3 vs. 1988 BMW 535
To start off, 1993 BMW M3 is newer by 5 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, 1993 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1993 BMW M3.
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, 1993 BMW M3 (321 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW M3 | 1988 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
