1976 Fiat 131 vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 515 kg more than 1976 Fiat 131. 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Fiat | Panoz |
| Model | 131 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2700 mm |
