Car comparison

BMW 5 Series (E39) · Facelift 2000 540ivsBMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8

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

New comparison

BMW 5 Series (E39) · Facelift 2000

540i

286 hp4398 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2000-2004
VS

BMW 5 Series (E34)

540i V8

286 hp3982 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan1992-1995

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    286 hp
    213 kW
  • Highest torque
    440 Nm
    325 lb-ft
  • Largest trunk
    460 L
  • Best overall score
    67/100
  • Best performance score
    64/100
  • Best practicality score
    74/100

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8

  • Lightest
    1,605 kg
    3,538 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    178 hp/t
    133 kW/t
    5.6 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.4 L/100 km
    20.6 mpg US
    24.8 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    702 km
    436 mi
  • Best economy score
    76/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540iBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
Power
286hp213kW
286hp213kW
Torque
440Nm325lb-ft
400Nm295lb-ft
Curb weight
1,615kg3,560lb
1,605kg3,538lb
Gross weight
2,220kg4,894lb
2,115kg4,663lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
63.7s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
65.7s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.5s
6.8s
0-200 km/h
19.4s
Calculated
20.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.2s
Calculated
6.5s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
12L/100 km19.6mpg US23.5mpg UK
11.4L/100 km20.6mpg US24.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
19.9L/100 km11.8mpg US14.2mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
14.4s
Calculated
14.6s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
177hp/t132kW/t80hp/1000 lb
Calculated
178hp/t133kW/t81hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
272Nm/t182lb-ft/ton
Calculated
249Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
583km362mi
Calculated
702km436mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,398cc268cu in
3,982cc243cu in
Length
4,775mm188in
4,720mm186in
Width
1,800mm71in
1,751mm69in
Height
1,435mm56in
1,412mm56in
Wheelbase
2,830mm111in
2,761mm109in
Front track
1,512mm60in
1,470mm58in
Rear track
1,526mm60in
1,495mm59in
Ground clearance
120mm5in
-
Trunk volume
460L
460L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
70L
80L

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 (E39) Facelift 2000 540iBMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8PowerTorque
  • BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i5,400 rpm3,600 rpm5,650 rpm
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V85,800 rpm4,500 rpm6,050 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540iBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.2 s
6.5 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.5 s
6.8 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
19.4 s
20.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.7 s
2.8 s
330 ft
101 m
6.6 s
6.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.7 s
9.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.2 s
12.5 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.4 s
14.6 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
172 km/h
107 mph
170 km/h
105 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
286 hp
213 kW
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
286 hp
213 kW

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
440 Nm
325 lb-ft
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
400 Nm
295 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
1,615 kg
3,560 lb
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
1,605 kg
3,538 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 (E39)Facelift 2000540i
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 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 (E39)Facelift 2000540i6.5 s
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V86.8 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i and BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8: 0.3 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 (E39)Facelift 2000540i
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8 and BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i: 0.6 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 (E39)Facelift 2000540i
177 hp/t
132 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
178 hp/t
133 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
583 km
362 mi
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
702 km
436 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
286 hp
213 kW
6.5 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
286 hp
213 kW
6.8 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 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 (E39)Facelift 2000540i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 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
4,775 mm
188.0 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 in
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

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 (E39)Facelift 2000540i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
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

BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 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 (E39)Facelift 2000540i
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
6.5 s
BMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK
6.8 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 (E39)Facelift 2000540i
177 hp/t
132 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
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

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540iBMW5 Series (E34)540i V8
Power
286 hp
213 kW
286 hp
213 kW
Torque
440 Nm
325 lb-ft
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.5 s
6.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,615 kg
3,560 lb
1,605 kg
3,538 lb
Fuel consumption
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,775 mm
188.0 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 in
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
Range score
583 km
362 mi
702 km
436 mi
Trunk score
460 L
16.2 cu ft
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
177 hp/t
132 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
178 hp/t
133 kW/t
5.6 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 (E39) Facelift 2000 540iBMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8
Consumption12 L/100 km19.6 mpg US23.5 mpg UK11.4 L/100 km20.6 mpg US24.8 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km21.00 LC100 km19.95 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.80 LC100 mi32.11 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,800 L476 US gal396 UK gal1,710 L452 US gal376 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,150 LC/year2,993 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i

  • Has 40 Nm more
  • Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8

  • Is 10 kg lighter
  • Uses 0.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 1 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 118 km (74 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 5 Series (E39) 540i
BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8
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BMW 5 Series (E39) · Facelift 2000 540i vs BMW 5 Series (E34) 540i V8 - car comparison - FastVsFaster