2008 BMW 523 vs. 1999 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1999 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 523 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
