1998 BMW 323 vs. 2005 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2005 Panoz Esperante is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (169 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 158 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2005 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 323 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 233 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 | 1430 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
