1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 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 (305 HP) has 285 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 1090 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Abarth | Panoz |
| Model | 500 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 305 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 59 L |
