1978 BMW M1 vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (420 HP) has 147 more horse power than 1978 BMW M1. (273 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 235 kg more than 1978 BMW M1. 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (529 Nm) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | M1 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 420 HP |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 59 L |
