1971 Mercury Comet vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet 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 224 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 315 kg more than 1971 Mercury Comet. 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 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Comet. (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Comet | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercury | Panoz |
| Model | Comet | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
