1980 BMW M5 vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 144 kg more than 1980 BMW M5. 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | M5 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
