1988 Honda Prelude vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Prelude 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 193 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Because 2008 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 2008 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Prelude, 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Honda | Panoz |
| Model | Prelude | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1956 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |
