1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 1998 Panoz Esperante is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 308. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ferrari | Panoz |
| Model | 308 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 59 L |
