1972 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 161 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2700 mm |
