1993 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2001 Panoz Esperante is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Ford Contour would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1993 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 43 kg more than 2001 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2001 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Contour | 2001 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Contour | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1313 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
