1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 Panoz Esperante. (305 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 2008 Panoz Esperante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 279 kg more than 2008 Panoz Esperante. 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, both vehicles can yield 434 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Panoz |
| Model | V8 Volante | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 59 L |
