Car comparison

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8vsAlfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW 5 Series (E34)

540i V8

286 hp3982 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan1992-1995
VS

Alfa Romeo 164 (164)

3.0 i V6 24V

230 hp2959 ccGasolineAWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1991-1995

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.8 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    286 hp
    213 kW
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    178 hp/t
    133 kW/t
    5.6 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    66/100
  • Best performance score
    62/100

Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V

  • Lightest
    1,510 kg
    3,329 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.4 L/100 km
    25.0 mpg US
    30.1 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    745 km
    463 mi
  • Largest trunk
    505 L
  • Best economy score
    82/100
  • Best practicality score
    75/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
Power
286hp213kW
230hp172kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
284Nm209lb-ft
Curb weight
1,605kg3,538lb
1,510kg3,329lb
Gross weight
2,115kg4,663lb
1,935kg4,266lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
245 km/h
152 mph
To 99% top speed
65.7s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
73.3s99% target: 243 km/h / 151 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.8s
7.7s
0-200 km/h
20.1s
Calculated
26.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.5s
Calculated
7.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.4L/100 km20.6mpg US24.8mpg UK
9.4L/100 km25mpg US30.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
13.4L/100 km17.6mpg US21.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.6s
Calculated
15.5s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
178hp/t133kW/t81hp/1000 lb
Calculated
152hp/t114kW/t69hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
249Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
188Nm/t126lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
702km436mi
Calculated
745km463mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,982cc243cu in
2,959cc181cu in
Length
4,720mm186in
4,550mm179in
Width
1,751mm69in
1,760mm69in
Height
1,412mm56in
1,390mm55in
Wheelbase
2,761mm109in
2,660mm105in
Front track
1,470mm58in
1,515mm60in
Rear track
1,495mm59in
1,490mm59in
Trunk volume
460L
505L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
80L
70L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24VPowerTorque
  • BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8: Power / Torque
  • Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V85,800 rpm4,500 rpm6,050 rpm
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V6,300 rpm5,000 rpm6,550 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.5 s
7.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.8 s
7.7 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.1 s
26.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
245 km/h
152 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.8 s
2.8 s
330 ft
101 m
6.8 s
7.0 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.9 s
10.4 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.5 s
13.2 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.6 s
15.5 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
170 km/h
105 mph
157 km/h
98 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
286 hp
213 kW
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
230 hp
172 kW

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8 has 56 hp more than Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V.

The biggest power difference is between Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V and BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8: 56 hp (42 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
284 Nm
209 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
1,605 kg
3,538 lb
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
1,510 kg
3,329 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
245 km/h
152 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V86.8 s
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V7.7 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8 and Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V: 0.9 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V and BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8: 2.0 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
178 hp/t
133 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
152 hp/t
114 kW/t
6.6 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
702 km
436 mi
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
745 km
463 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
286 hp
213 kW
6.8 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
230 hp
172 kW
7.7 s
245 km/h
152 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,412 mm
55.6 in
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
Power
230 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h7.7 s
Top speed
245 km/h
152 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
505 L
17.8 cu ft
Length
4,550 mm
179.1 in
Height
1,390 mm
54.7 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
Power
230 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h7.7 s
Top speed
245 km/h
152 mph
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK
6.8 s
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK
7.7 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
178 hp/t
133 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
152 hp/t
114 kW/t
6.6 kg/hp
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24V
Power
286 hp
213 kW
230 hp
172 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
284 Nm
209 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.8 s
7.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
245 km/h
152 mph
Lightness
1,605 kg
3,538 lb
1,510 kg
3,329 lb
Fuel consumption
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,412 mm
55.6 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
505 L
17.8 cu ft
Length
4,550 mm
179.1 in
Height
1,390 mm
54.7 in
Range score
702 km
436 mi
745 km
463 mi
Trunk score
460 L
16.2 cu ft
505 L
17.8 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
178 hp/t
133 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
152 hp/t
114 kW/t
6.6 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V
Consumption11.4 L/100 km20.6 mpg US24.8 mpg UK9.4 L/100 km25 mpg US30.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.95 LC100 km16.45 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi32.11 LC100 mi26.47 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,710 L452 US gal376 UK gal1,410 L372 US gal310 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,993 LC/year2,468 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8

  • Has 56 hp more
  • Has 116 Nm more
  • Is 0.9 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 20 km/h (12 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 26 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V

  • Is 95 kg lighter
  • Uses 2.0 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 43 km (27 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 45 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8
Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

540i V8
540i V8
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series (E39)540i V8
3.0 i V6 24V
2.2i Turbo 20V
VS
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24VvsAUDIS22.2i Turbo 20V
540i V8
540i
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
3.0 i V6 24V
SHO 3.2 V6 24V5
VS
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24VvsFordTaurus IISHO 3.2 V6 24V5
540i V8
540i
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
3.0 i V6 24V
2.5 i V6 24V
VS
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24VvsAlfa Romeo156 (932)2.5 i V6 24V
540i V8
540d
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540d
3.0 i V6 24V
3.2i 24V
VS
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24VvsHondaLegend II (KA7)3.2i 24V
540i V8
540i
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series (E60)540i
3.0 i V6 24V
185i V8
VS
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24VvsHSVClubsport (VR/VS)185i V8
540i V8
535d
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
3.0 i V6 24V
300
VS
Alfa Romeo164 (164)3.0 i V6 24VvsLexusGS I300
BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8 vs Alfa Romeo 164 (164) 3.0 i V6 24V - car comparison - FastVsFaster