1986 BMW M3 vs. 2000 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2000 Panoz Esperante is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1986 BMW M3. (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 100 kg more than 1986 BMW M3. 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, 2000 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2000 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 2000 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | M3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
