1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 1998 Panoz Esperante is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP) has 102 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (405 Nm). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Lotus | Panoz |
| Model | Esprit | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 317 HP |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
