Car comparison

BMW 5 Series (E28) 535ivsBMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i

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

New comparison

BMW 5 Series (E28)

535i

218 hp3430 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1984-1987
VS

BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60)

540i

375 hp2998 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticTurbochargedSedan2023-present

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.7 s
  • Most powerful
    375 hp
    280 kW
  • Highest torque
    540 Nm
    398 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    189 hp/t
    141 kW/t
    5.3 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.4 L/100 km
    28.0 mpg US
    33.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    9.0 L/100 km
    26.1 mpg US
    31.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.1 L/100 km
    33.1 mpg US
    39.8 mpg UK
  • Largest trunk
    520 L
  • Best overall score
    73/100
  • Best performance score
    71/100
  • Best economy score
    84/100
  • Best practicality score
    77/100

BMW 5 Series (E28) 535i

  • Fastest top speed
    240 km/h
    149 mph Unrestricted
    225 km/h
    140 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,370 kg
    3,020 lb
  • Best estimated range
    753 km
    468 mi

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW5 Series (E28)535iBMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
Power
218hp163kW
375hp280kW
Torque
310Nm229lb-ft
540Nm398lb-ft
Curb weight
1,370kg3,020lb
1,982kg4,370lb
Gross weight-
2,435kg5,368lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
225 km/h140 mph
Restricted
210 km/h130 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
61.4s99% target: 238 km/h / 148 mph
Calculated
37.7s99% target: 223 km/h / 138 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.2s
4.7s
0-200 km/h
23.9s
Calculated
17.8s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.9s
Calculated
4.5s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
8.4L/100 km28mpg US33.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
15L/100 km15.7mpg US18.8mpg UK
9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.3L/100 km32.2mpg US38.7mpg UK
7.1L/100 km33.1mpg US39.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.1s
Calculated
12.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
159hp/t119kW/t72hp/1000 lb
Calculated
189hp/t141kW/t86hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
226Nm/t151lb-ft/ton
Calculated
272Nm/t182lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
753km468mi
Calculated
714km444mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,430cc209cu in
2,998cc183cu in
Length
4,620mm182in
5,060mm199in
Width
1,700mm67in
1,900mm75in
Height
1,415mm56in
1,515mm60in
Wheelbase
2,625mm103in
2,995mm118in
Front track
1,430mm56in
1,623mm64in
Rear track
1,470mm58in
1,656mm65in
Ground clearance
152mm6in
155mm6in
Trunk volume
460L
520L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
70L
60L

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 (E28) 535iBMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540iPowerTorque
  • BMW 5 Series (E28) 535i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW5 Series (E28)535i5,500 rpm4,000 rpm5,750 rpm
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i5,200-6,250 rpm1,850-5,000 rpm6,500 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW5 Series (E28)535iBMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.9 s
4.5 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.2 s
4.7 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
23.9 s
17.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
225 km/h140 mph
Restricted
210 km/h130 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.8 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
6.9 s
5.7 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.1 s
8.4 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.8 s
10.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.1 s
12.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
162 km/h
101 mph
179 km/h
111 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E28)535i
218 hp
163 kW
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
375 hp
280 kW

BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i has 157 hp more than BMW 5 Series (E28) 535i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 5 Series (E28) 535i and BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i: 157 hp (117 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E28)535i
310 Nm
229 lb-ft
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
540 Nm
398 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E28)535i
1,370 kg
3,020 lb
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
1,982 kg
4,370 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 (E28)535i
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
Unrestricted
225 km/h140 mph
Restricted
210 km/h130 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E28)535i7.2 s
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i4.7 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i and BMW 5 Series (E28) 535i: 2.5 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 (E28)535i
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i and BMW 5 Series (E28) 535i: 0.9 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 (E28)535i
159 hp/t
119 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
189 hp/t
141 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E28)535i
753 km
468 mi
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
714 km
444 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW5 Series (E28)535i
218 hp
163 kW
7.2 s
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
375 hp
280 kW
4.7 s
Unrestricted
225 km/h140 mph
Restricted
210 km/h130 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 (E28)535i
Power
218 hp
163 kW
0-100 km/h7.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,620 mm
181.9 in
Height
1,415 mm
55.7 in
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
Power
375 hp
280 kW
0-100 km/h4.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
225 km/h140 mph
Restricted
210 km/h130 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
520 L
18.4 cu ft
Length
5,060 mm
199.2 in
Height
1,515 mm
59.6 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 (E28)535i
Power
218 hp
163 kW
0-100 km/h7.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
Power
375 hp
280 kW
0-100 km/h4.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
225 km/h140 mph
Restricted
210 km/h130 mph
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK

BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i 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 (E28)535i
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
7.2 s
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
4.7 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 (E28)535i
159 hp/t
119 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
BMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
189 hp/t
141 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW5 Series (E28)535iBMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540i
Power
218 hp
163 kW
375 hp
280 kW
Torque
310 Nm
229 lb-ft
540 Nm
398 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.2 s
4.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Unrestricted
225 km/h140 mph
Restricted
210 km/h130 mph
Lightness
1,370 kg
3,020 lb
1,982 kg
4,370 lb
Fuel consumption
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,620 mm
181.9 in
Height
1,415 mm
55.7 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
520 L
18.4 cu ft
Length
5,060 mm
199.2 in
Height
1,515 mm
59.6 in
Range score
753 km
468 mi
714 km
444 mi
Trunk score
460 L
16.2 cu ft
520 L
18.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
159 hp/t
119 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
189 hp/t
141 kW/t
5.3 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 (E28) 535iBMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i
Consumption9.3 L/100 km25.3 mpg US30.4 mpg UK8.4 L/100 km28 mpg US33.6 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.28 LC100 km14.70 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi26.19 LC100 mi23.66 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,395 L369 US gal307 UK gal1,260 L333 US gal277 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,441 LC/year2,205 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 5 Series (E28) 535i

  • Is 612 kg lighter
  • Has 15 km/h (9 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 38 km (24 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Smallest trunk

BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i

  • Has 157 hp more
  • Has 230 Nm more
  • Is 2.5 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 0.9 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 30 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 60 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

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Model
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Engine or modification
BMW 5 Series (E28) 535i
BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 540i
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