1998 Panoz Esperante vs. 2012 BMW 135
To start off, 2012 BMW 135 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 BMW 135. (300 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 135 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 135. (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 135.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Panoz Esperante | 2012 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Panoz | BMW |
| Model | Esperante | 135 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 53 L |
