1980 Ford Fiesta vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 820 kg more than 1980 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2007 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Fiesta | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Fiesta | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 59 L |
