1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (305 HP) has 133 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 311 kg more than 1988 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Lotus | Panoz |
| Model | Esprit | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| 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 | 172 HP | 305 HP |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
