1983 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Fiat 126 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 281 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 950 kg more than 1983 Fiat 126. 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 392 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 126 | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Fiat | Panoz |
| Model | 126 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2700 mm |
