1996 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1998 Fiat Punto
To start off, 1998 Fiat Punto is newer by 2 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 297 more horse power than 1998 Fiat Punto. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1998 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 576 kg more than 1998 Fiat Punto. 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, 1998 Fiat Punto, 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 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Fiat Punto. (83 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 De Tomaso Pantera | 1998 Fiat Punto | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Fiat |
| Model | Pantera | Punto |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
