1974 BMW 3 vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 1998 Panoz Esperante is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 163 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante.
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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2720 mm |
