1996 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1984 Ford Orion
To start off, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Orion would be higher. At 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1984 Ford Orion. (54 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 472 kg more than 1984 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 De Tomaso Pantera 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 1996 De Tomaso Pantera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Orion, 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, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 362 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Orion. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 De Tomaso Pantera | 1984 Ford Orion | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Ford |
| Model | Pantera | Orion |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 1606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
