1981 Renault 5 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1981 Renault 5. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 485 kg more than 1981 Renault 5. 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Renault 5 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Renault | Panoz |
| Model | 5 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 59 L |
