1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 17 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 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 206 kg more than 1989 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Lotus | Panoz |
| Model | Esprit | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| 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 | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 59 L |
