1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 336 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 977 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Caterham | Panoz |
| Model | Super 7 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 59 L |
