1999 BMW 323 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 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 135 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 78 kg more than 1999 BMW 323. 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 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 2009 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2009 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 323 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
