1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 685 kg more than 1980 Fiat 126. 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Fiat | Panoz |
| Model | 126 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
