1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 135 kg more than 1981 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2008 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2008 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Fairlane | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2700 mm |
