2009 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 38 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | M3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
