1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 59 kg more than 2004 Panoz Esperante.
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 (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Lotus | Panoz |
| Model | Esprit | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 256 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 Weight | 1329 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 59 L |
