1981 Lincoln Continental vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (420 HP) has 291 more horse power than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1981 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (529 Nm) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lincoln Continental | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Lincoln | Panoz |
| Model | Continental | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 420 HP |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2700 mm |
