Car comparison

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8vsBMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d

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

New comparison

BMW 5 Series (E34)

540i V8

286 hp3982 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1992-1995
VS

BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10)

535d

313 hp2993 ccDieselAWDAutomaticTurbochargedSedan2011-2013

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.5 s
  • Most powerful
    313 hp
    233 kW
  • Highest torque
    630 Nm
    465 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    5.9 L/100 km
    39.9 mpg US
    47.9 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    1,186 km
    737 mi
  • Largest trunk
    520 L
  • Best overall score
    72/100
  • Best performance score
    70/100
  • Best economy score
    91/100
  • Best practicality score
    76/100

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8

  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,605 kg
    3,538 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    178 hp/t
    133 kW/t
    5.6 kg/hp

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
Power
286hp213kW
313hp233kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
630Nm465lb-ft
Curb weight
1,605kg3,538lb
1,795kg3,957lb
Gross weight
2,115kg4,663lb
2,395kg5,280lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
60.9s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
56.4s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.3s
5.5s
0-200 km/h
18.6s
Calculated
17.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.0s
Calculated
5.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.4L/100 km20.6mpg US24.8mpg UK
5.9L/100 km39.9mpg US47.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
7.1L/100 km33.1mpg US39.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
5.3L/100 km44.4mpg US53.3mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.2s
Calculated
13.5s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
178hp/t133kW/t81hp/1000 lb
Calculated
174hp/t130kW/t79hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
249Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
351Nm/t235lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
702km436mi
Calculated
1,186km737mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,982cc243cu in
2,993cc183cu in
Length
4,720mm186in
4,899mm193in
Width
1,751mm69in
1,860mm73in
Height
1,412mm56in
1,464mm58in
Wheelbase
2,761mm109in
2,968mm117in
Front track
1,470mm58in
1,600mm63in
Rear track
1,495mm59in
1,627mm64in
Ground clearance-
141mm6in
Trunk volume
460L
520L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
80L
70L
CO2 emissions-
156g/km

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 V8BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535dPowerTorque
  • BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8: Power / Torque
  • BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V85,800 rpm4,500 rpm6,050 rpm
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d4,400 rpm1,500-2,500 rpm4,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.0 s
5.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.3 s
5.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
18.6 s
17.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.7 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.5 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.5 s
9.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.1 s
11.4 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.2 s
13.5 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
174 km/h
108 mph
178 km/h
111 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
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
313 hp
233 kW

BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d has 27 hp more than BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8 and BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d: 27 hp (20 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
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
630 Nm
465 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
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
1,795 kg
3,957 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
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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 V86.3 s
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d5.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d and BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8: 0.8 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
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
5.9 L/100 km
39.9 mpg US
47.9 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d and BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8: 5.5 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
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
174 hp/t
130 kW/t
5.7 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
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
1,186 km
737 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
6.3 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
313 hp
233 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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/h6.3 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
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
Power
313 hp
233 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
520 L
18.4 cu ft
Length
4,899 mm
192.9 in
Height
1,464 mm
57.6 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 (E34)540i V8
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.3 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
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
Power
313 hp
233 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
5.9 L/100 km
39.9 mpg US
47.9 mpg UK

BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d 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
6.3 s
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
5.9 L/100 km
39.9 mpg US
47.9 mpg UK
5.5 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
BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
174 hp/t
130 kW/t
5.7 kg/hp
5.9 L/100 km
39.9 mpg US
47.9 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8BMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
Power
286 hp
213 kW
313 hp
233 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
630 Nm
465 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.3 s
5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,605 kg
3,538 lb
1,795 kg
3,957 lb
Fuel consumption
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK
5.9 L/100 km
39.9 mpg US
47.9 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
520 L
18.4 cu ft
Length
4,899 mm
192.9 in
Height
1,464 mm
57.6 in
Range score
702 km
436 mi
1,186 km
737 mi
CO2 score
-
156 g/km
Trunk score
460 L
16.2 cu ft
520 L
18.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
178 hp/t
133 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
174 hp/t
130 kW/t
5.7 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 V8BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d
Consumption11.4 L/100 km20.6 mpg US24.8 mpg UK5.9 L/100 km39.9 mpg US47.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.95 LC100 km10.33 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi32.11 LC100 mi16.62 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,710 L452 US gal376 UK gal885 L234 US gal195 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,993 LC/year1,549 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8

  • Is 190 kg lighter
  • Has 5 km/h (3 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 4 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

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

BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d

  • Has 27 hp more
  • Has 230 Nm more
  • Is 0.8 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 5.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 485 km (301 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 60 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

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Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8
BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) 535d
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