1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 395 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 842 kg more than 1996 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 521 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Fiat | Panoz |
| Model | 126 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
