1998 BMW 323 vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 8 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 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 60 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 323 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
