1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1999 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 1999 Panoz Esperante is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 430 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1999 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 1999 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1999 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Panoz |
| Model | Caprice | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2700 mm |
