2001 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 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 (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2001 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 108 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 (570 Nm) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M3. (502 Nm). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M3. 2001 BMW M3 has automatic transmission and 2006 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2006 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW M3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | M3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
