1988 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3.
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 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | M3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 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 Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
