Car comparison

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540ivsBMW 5 Series Touring (E39) · Facelift 2000 530i 24V

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

New comparison

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34)

540i

286 hp3982 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate1993-1997
VS

BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) · Facelift 2000

530i 24V

231 hp2979 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate2000-2004

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.4 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    286 hp
    213 kW
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,680 kg
    3,704 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    170 hp/t
    127 kW/t
    5.9 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    460 L
  • Best overall score
    68/100
  • Best performance score
    62/100
  • Best practicality score
    82/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW5 Series Touring (E34)540iBMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
Power
286hp213kW
231hp172kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
300Nm221lb-ft
Curb weight
1,680kg3,704lb
1,720kg3,792lb
Gross weight
2,230kg4,916lb
2,245kg4,949lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
65.2s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
83.0s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.4s
7.5s
0-200 km/h
20.0s
Calculated
24.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.1s
Calculated
7.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
12.7L/100 km18.5mpg US22.2mpg UK
9.9L/100 km23.8mpg US28.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
13.7L/100 km17.2mpg US20.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.3s
Calculated
15.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
170hp/t127kW/t77hp/1000 lb
Calculated
134hp/t100kW/t61hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
238Nm/t159lb-ft/ton
Calculated
174Nm/t117lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
630km391mi
Calculated
707km439mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,982cc243cu in
2,979cc182cu in
Length
4,720mm186in
4,805mm189in
Width
1,751mm69in
1,800mm71in
Height
1,417mm56in
1,445mm57in
Wheelbase
2,761mm109in
2,830mm111in
Front track
1,470mm58in
1,512mm60in
Rear track
1,495mm59in
1,527mm60in
Trunk volume
460L
410L
Max trunk volume
910L
1,525L
Doors
5
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 Touring (E34) 540iBMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 530i 24VPowerTorque
  • BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 530i 24V: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i5,800 rpm4,500 rpm6,050 rpm
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V5,900 rpm3,500 rpm6,150 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW5 Series Touring (E34)540iBMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.1 s
7.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.4 s
7.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.0 s
24.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 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
2.6 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.5 s
6.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.6 s
10.2 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.2 s
13.0 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.3 s
15.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
170 km/h
106 mph
159 km/h
99 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
286 hp
213 kW
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
231 hp
172 kW

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i has 55 hp more than BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 530i 24V.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 530i 24V and BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i: 55 hp (41 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
300 Nm
221 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
1,680 kg
3,704 lb
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
1,720 kg
3,792 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 Touring (E34)540i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
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 Touring (E34)540i6.4 s
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V7.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i and BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 530i 24V: 1.1 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 Touring (E34)540i
12.7 L/100 km
18.5 mpg US
22.2 mpg UK
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 530i 24V and BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i: 2.8 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 Touring (E34)540i
170 hp/t
127 kW/t
5.9 kg/hp
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
134 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
630 km
391 mi
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
707 km
439 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
286 hp
213 kW
6.4 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
231 hp
172 kW
7.5 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 Touring (E34)540i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,417 mm
55.8 in
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h7.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,805 mm
189.2 in
Height
1,445 mm
56.9 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 Touring (E34)540i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.7 L/100 km
18.5 mpg US
22.2 mpg UK
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h7.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 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 Touring (E34)540i
12.7 L/100 km
18.5 mpg US
22.2 mpg UK
6.4 s
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
7.5 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 Touring (E34)540i
170 hp/t
127 kW/t
5.9 kg/hp
12.7 L/100 km
18.5 mpg US
22.2 mpg UK
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
134 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW5 Series Touring (E34)540iBMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000530i 24V
Power
286 hp
213 kW
231 hp
172 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.4 s
7.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,680 kg
3,704 lb
1,720 kg
3,792 lb
Fuel consumption
12.7 L/100 km
18.5 mpg US
22.2 mpg UK
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,417 mm
55.8 in
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,805 mm
189.2 in
Height
1,445 mm
56.9 in
Range score
630 km
391 mi
707 km
439 mi
Trunk score
460 L
16.2 cu ft
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
170 hp/t
127 kW/t
5.9 kg/hp
134 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 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 Touring (E34) 540iBMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 530i 24V
Consumption12.7 L/100 km18.5 mpg US22.2 mpg UK9.9 L/100 km23.8 mpg US28.5 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km22.22 LC100 km17.33 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi35.77 LC100 mi27.88 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,905 L503 US gal419 UK gal1,485 L392 US gal327 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,334 LC/year2,599 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i

  • Has 55 hp more
  • Has 100 Nm more
  • Is 40 kg lighter
  • Is 1.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 36 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 50 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i
BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) 530i 24V
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BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i vs BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) · Facelift 2000 530i 24V - car comparison - FastVsFaster