1978 Toyota Celica vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 334 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 492 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica. 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 452 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Celica | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Toyota | Panoz |
| Model | Celica | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
