1996 BMW 540 vs. 2001 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2001 Panoz Esperante is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 545 kg more than 2001 Panoz Esperante.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Panoz Esperante. (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Panoz Esperante.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2001 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 540 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
