1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 Panoz Esperante. (305 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Panoz Esperante. (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Panoz Esperante. 1971 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. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Buick | Panoz |
| Model | Riviera | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2700 mm |
