1990 BMW 518 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 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 192 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 375 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. 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 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 518 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 59 L |
