1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (164 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 438 kg more than 2009 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2009 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 2009 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (307 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan. 1996 Dodge Caravan has automatic transmission and 2009 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2009 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Dodge Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Dodge | Panoz |
| Model | Caravan | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2700 mm |
