1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 468 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Lotus | Panoz |
| Model | Esprit | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 59 L |
