1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (106 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 420 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Taunus | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2700 mm |
