1982 BMW 323 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 BMW 323 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) has 157 more horse power than 1982 BMW 323. (148 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1982 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 315 kg more than 1982 BMW 323. 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 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 BMW 323 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 323 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 305 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 59 L |
