1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 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 (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 684 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Panoz |
| Model | 100 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 59 L |
