1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Riviera 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 115 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 430 kg more than 2004 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2004 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 2004 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera, 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2004 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2004 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Buick | Panoz |
| Model | Riviera | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 59 L |
