1988 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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 148 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 340 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Panoz Esperante. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Panoz |
| Model | Golf | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1763 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
