1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 305 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 365 kg more than 2009 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Panoz Esperante. (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Panoz Esperante. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2009 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Buick | Panoz |
| Model | Riviera | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 59 L |
