Car comparison

BMW M5 Touring (E34) 3.8vsBMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i

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

New comparison

BMW M5 Touring (E34)

3.8

340 hp3795 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate1994-1995
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 M5 Touring (E34) 3.8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.9 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    340 hp
    254 kW
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    198 hp/t
    147 kW/t
    5.1 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    460 L
  • Best overall score
    70/100
  • Best performance score
    65/100
  • Best practicality score
    82/100

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i

  • Lightest
    1,680 kg
    3,704 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    12.7 L/100 km
    18.5 mpg US
    22.2 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    630 km
    391 mi
  • Best economy score
    73/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
Power
340hp254kW
286hp213kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
400Nm295lb-ft
Curb weight
1,720kg3,792lb
1,680kg3,704lb
Gross weight
2,280kg5,027lb
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
62.2s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
65.2s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.9s
6.4s
0-200 km/h
18.8s
Calculated
20.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.6s
Calculated
6.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
14.8L/100 km15.9mpg US19.1mpg UK
12.7L/100 km18.5mpg US22.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
19.3L/100 km12.2mpg US14.6mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
10.8L/100 km21.8mpg US26.2mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
13.9s
Calculated
14.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
198hp/t147kW/t90hp/1000 lb
Calculated
170hp/t127kW/t77hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
233Nm/t156lb-ft/ton
Calculated
238Nm/t159lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
541km336mi
Calculated
630km391mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,795cc232cu in
3,982cc243cu in
Length
4,720mm186in
4,720mm186in
Width
1,751mm69in
1,751mm69in
Height
1,392mm55in
1,417mm56in
Wheelbase
2,761mm109in
2,761mm109in
Front track-
1,470mm58in
Rear track-
1,495mm59in
Trunk volume
460L
460L
Max trunk volume
1,450L
910L
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
80L
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 M5 Touring (E34) 3.8BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540iPowerTorque
  • BMW M5 Touring (E34) 3.8: Power / Torque
  • BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.86,900 rpm4,750 rpm7,150 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
MetricBMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.6 s
6.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.9 s
6.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
18.8 s
20.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
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
6.3 s
6.5 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.2 s
9.6 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.8 s
12.2 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.9 s
14.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
173 km/h
108 mph
170 km/h
106 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
340 hp
254 kW
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
286 hp
213 kW

BMW M5 Touring (E34) 3.8 has 54 hp more than BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i and BMW M5 Touring (E34) 3.8: 54 hp (40 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
400 Nm
295 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
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
1,720 kg
3,792 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
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
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
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.85.9 s
BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i6.4 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M5 Touring (E34) 3.8 and BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i: 0.5 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
14.8 L/100 km
15.9 mpg US
19.1 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 (E34) 540i and BMW M5 Touring (E34) 3.8: 2.1 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
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
198 hp/t
147 kW/t
5.1 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
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
541 km
336 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
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
340 hp
254 kW
5.9 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
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
Power
340 hp
254 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
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,392 mm
54.8 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
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
Power
340 hp
254 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
14.8 L/100 km
15.9 mpg US
19.1 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 (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
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
14.8 L/100 km
15.9 mpg US
19.1 mpg UK
5.9 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
BMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8
198 hp/t
147 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp
14.8 L/100 km
15.9 mpg US
19.1 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
VehicleBMWM5 Touring (E34)3.8BMW5 Series Touring (E34)540i
Power
340 hp
254 kW
286 hp
213 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.9 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
1,720 kg
3,792 lb
1,680 kg
3,704 lb
Fuel consumption
14.8 L/100 km
15.9 mpg US
19.1 mpg UK
12.7 L/100 km
18.5 mpg US
22.2 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,392 mm
54.8 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
541 km
336 mi
630 km
391 mi
Trunk score
460 L
16.2 cu ft
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
198 hp/t
147 kW/t
5.1 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 M5 Touring (E34) 3.8BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i
Consumption14.8 L/100 km15.9 mpg US19.1 mpg UK12.7 L/100 km18.5 mpg US22.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km25.90 LC100 km22.22 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi41.68 LC100 mi35.77 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used2,220 L586 US gal488 UK gal1,905 L503 US gal419 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,885 LC/year3,334 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M5 Touring (E34) 3.8

  • Has 54 hp more
  • Is 0.5 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 27 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i

  • Is 40 kg lighter
  • Uses 2.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 89 km (56 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M5 Touring (E34) 3.8
BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i
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BMW M5 Touring (E34) 3.8 vs BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) 540i - car comparison - FastVsFaster