Car comparison

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8vsBMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i

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 Touring (E61)

545i

333 hp4398 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate2004-2005

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.9 s
  • Most powerful
    333 hp
    248 kW
  • Highest torque
    450 Nm
    332 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    186 hp/t
    138 kW/t
    5.4 kg/hp
  • 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
    500 L
  • Best overall score
    72/100
  • Best performance score
    66/100
  • Best economy score
    82/100
  • Best practicality score
    84/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
Power
286hp213kW
333hp248kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
450Nm332lb-ft
Curb weight
1,605kg3,538lb
1,795kg3,957lb
Gross weight
2,115kg4,663lb
2,280kg5,027lb
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
62.4s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.3s
5.9s
0-200 km/h
18.6s
Calculated
18.8s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.0s
Calculated
5.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.4L/100 km20.6mpg US24.8mpg UK
9.4L/100 km25mpg US30.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
13.7L/100 km17.2mpg US20.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
6.9L/100 km34.1mpg US40.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.2s
Calculated
13.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
178hp/t133kW/t81hp/1000 lb
Calculated
186hp/t138kW/t84hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
249Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
251Nm/t168lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
702km436mi
Calculated
745km463mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,982cc243cu in
4,398cc268cu in
Length
4,720mm186in
4,843mm191in
Width
1,751mm69in
1,846mm73in
Height
1,412mm56in
1,491mm59in
Wheelbase
2,761mm109in
2,886mm114in
Front track
1,470mm58in
1,558mm61in
Rear track
1,495mm59in
1,581mm62in
Trunk volume
460L
500L
Max trunk volume-
1,650L
Doors
4
5
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 V8BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545iPowerTorque
  • BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8: Power / Torque
  • BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i: 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 Touring (E61)545i6,100 rpm3,600 rpm6,350 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.0 s
5.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.3 s
5.9 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
18.6 s
18.8 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
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.5 s
6.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.5 s
9.2 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.1 s
11.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.2 s
13.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
174 km/h
108 mph
173 km/h
108 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 Touring (E61)545i
333 hp
248 kW

BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i has 47 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 Touring (E61) 545i: 47 hp (35 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 Touring (E61)545i
450 Nm
332 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 Touring (E61)545i
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 Touring (E61)545i
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 Touring (E61)545i5.9 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i and BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8: 0.4 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 Touring (E61)545i
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i 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
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 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 Touring (E61)545i
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
6.3 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
333 hp
248 kW
5.9 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 Touring (E61)545i
Power
333 hp
248 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,843 mm
190.7 in
Height
1,491 mm
58.7 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/h6.3 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 Touring (E61)545i
Power
333 hp
248 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i 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 Touring (E61)545i
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK
5.9 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 Touring (E61)545i
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 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 V8BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
333 hp
248 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
450 Nm
332 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.3 s
5.9 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
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
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,843 mm
190.7 in
Height
1,491 mm
58.7 in
Range score
702 km
436 mi
745 km
463 mi
Trunk score
460 L
16.2 cu ft
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
178 hp/t
133 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 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 Touring (E61) 545i
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

  • Is 190 kg lighter
  • Has 5 km/h (3 mph) higher top speed

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest

Cons

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

BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i

  • Has 47 hp more
  • Has 50 Nm more
  • Is 0.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 2.0 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 7 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 43 km (27 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 40 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
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8
BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

540i V8
540i V8
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series (E39)540i V8
545i
540i V8
VS
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545ivsBMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
540i V8
540i V8
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
545i
535i
VS
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545ivsBMW5 Series Touring (F11)535i
540i V8
540i
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
545i
540i V8
VS
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545ivsBMW5 Series Touring (E39)540i V8
540i V8
540d
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series Sedan (G60)540d
545i
545i
VS
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545ivsBMW5 Series (E60)545i
545i
540i
VS
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545ivsBMW5 Series Touring (G31)540i
540i V8
535d
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series Sedan (F10)535d
540i V8
M535i
VS
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8vsBMW5 Series (E28)M535i
545i
540d
VS
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545ivsBMW5 Series Touring (G61)540d
BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8 vs BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i - car comparison - FastVsFaster