Car comparison

BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530ivsBMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i

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

New comparison

BMW 5 Series Touring (G31)

530i

252 hp1998 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticTurbochargedWagon / estate2017-2020
VS

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34)

540i

286 hp3982 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate1993-1997

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.3 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    7.0 L/100 km
    33.6 mpg US
    40.4 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    971 km
    604 mi
  • Largest trunk
    570 L
  • Best overall score
    69/100
  • Best economy score
    88/100
  • Best practicality score
    87/100

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i

  • 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
  • Best performance score
    62/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW5 Series Touring (G31)530iBMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
Power
252hp188kW
286hp213kW
Torque
350Nm258lb-ft
400Nm295lb-ft
Curb weight
1,695kg3,737lb
1,680kg3,704lb
Gross weight
2,440kg5,379lb
2,230kg4,916lb
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
69.3s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
65.3s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.3s
6.4s
0-200 km/h
20.5s
Calculated
20.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.0s
Calculated
6.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
7L/100 km33.6mpg US40.4mpg UK
12.7L/100 km18.5mpg US22.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
8.6L/100 km27.4mpg US32.8mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
6L/100 km39.2mpg US47.1mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
14.3s
Calculated
14.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
149hp/t111kW/t67hp/1000 lb
Calculated
170hp/t127kW/t77hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
206Nm/t138lb-ft/ton
Calculated
238Nm/t159lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
971km604mi
Calculated
630km391mi
Calculated
Displacement
1,998cc122cu in
3,982cc243cu in
Length
4,942mm195in
4,720mm186in
Width
1,868mm74in
1,751mm69in
Height
1,498mm59in
1,417mm56in
Wheelbase
2,975mm117in
2,761mm109in
Front track
1,605mm63in
1,470mm58in
Rear track
1,630mm64in
1,495mm59in
Ground clearance
140mm6in
-
Trunk volume
570L
460L
Max trunk volume
1,700L
910L
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
68L
80L
CO2 emissions
159g/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 Touring (G31) 530iBMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540iPowerTorque
  • BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW5 Series Touring (G31)530i5,200-6,500 rpm1,450-4,800 rpm6,750 rpm
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i5,800 rpm4,500 rpm6,050 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW5 Series Touring (G31)530iBMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.0 s
6.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.3 s
6.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.5 s
20.0 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
2.5 s
2.6 s
330 ft
101 m
6.4 s
6.5 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.5 s
9.6 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.1 s
12.2 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.3 s
14.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
169 km/h
105 mph
170 km/h
106 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (G31)530i
252 hp
188 kW
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
286 hp
213 kW

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i has 34 hp more than BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i and BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i: 34 hp (25 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (G31)530i
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
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 Touring (G31)530i
1,695 kg
3,737 lb
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
1,680 kg
3,704 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 (G31)530i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
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 (G31)530i6.3 s
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i6.4 s

Although BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i has more power, BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i and BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i: 0.1 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 (G31)530i
7.0 L/100 km
33.6 mpg US
40.4 mpg UK
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
12.7 L/100 km
18.5 mpg US
22.2 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i and BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i: 5.7 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 (G31)530i
149 hp/t
111 kW/t
6.7 kg/hp
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
170 hp/t
127 kW/t
5.9 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (G31)530i
971 km
604 mi
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
630 km
391 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW5 Series Touring (G31)530i
252 hp
188 kW
6.3 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
286 hp
213 kW
6.4 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 (G31)530i
Power
252 hp
188 kW
0-100 km/h6.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
570 L
20.1 cu ft
Length
4,942 mm
194.6 in
Height
1,498 mm
59.0 in
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

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 (G31)530i
Power
252 hp
188 kW
0-100 km/h6.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
7.0 L/100 km
33.6 mpg US
40.4 mpg UK
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

BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i 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 (G31)530i
7.0 L/100 km
33.6 mpg US
40.4 mpg UK
6.3 s
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
12.7 L/100 km
18.5 mpg US
22.2 mpg UK
6.4 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 (G31)530i
149 hp/t
111 kW/t
6.7 kg/hp
7.0 L/100 km
33.6 mpg US
40.4 mpg UK
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

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW5 Series Touring (G31)530iBMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
Power
252 hp
188 kW
286 hp
213 kW
Torque
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.3 s
6.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,695 kg
3,737 lb
1,680 kg
3,704 lb
Fuel consumption
7.0 L/100 km
33.6 mpg US
40.4 mpg UK
12.7 L/100 km
18.5 mpg US
22.2 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
570 L
20.1 cu ft
Length
4,942 mm
194.6 in
Height
1,498 mm
59.0 in
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
Range score
971 km
604 mi
630 km
391 mi
CO2 score
159 g/km
-
Trunk score
570 L
20.1 cu ft
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
149 hp/t
111 kW/t
6.7 kg/hp
170 hp/t
127 kW/t
5.9 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 (G31) 530iBMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i
Consumption7 L/100 km33.6 mpg US40.4 mpg UK12.7 L/100 km18.5 mpg US22.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km12.25 LC100 km22.22 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi19.71 LC100 mi35.77 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,050 L277 US gal231 UK gal1,905 L503 US gal419 UK gal
Annual fuel cost1,838 LC/year3,334 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i

  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 5.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 342 km (212 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 110 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i

  • Has 34 hp more
  • Has 50 Nm more
  • Is 15 kg lighter
  • Has 22 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i
BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i
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BMW 5 Series Touring (G31) 530i vs BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i - car comparison - FastVsFaster