1996 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1997 Ford Probe
To start off, 1997 Ford Probe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 De Tomaso Pantera 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 235 more horse power than 1997 Ford Probe. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 192 kg more than 1997 Ford Probe. 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, 1997 Ford Probe, 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 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Probe. (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 De Tomaso Pantera | 1997 Ford Probe | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Ford |
| Model | Pantera | Probe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1320 mm |
