1977 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 190 kg more 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. (346 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette 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. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Panoz |
| Model | Corvette | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1677 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 59 L |
