1976 Lancia Beta vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta 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 190 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 535 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Lancia | Panoz |
| Model | Beta | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2700 mm |
