1984 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Am 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 182 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (123 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 2009 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (204 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2009 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2009 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Pontiac | Panoz |
| Model | Grand Am | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
