1996 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic 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 (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic.
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 Honda Civic, 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 (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Honda | Panoz |
| Model | Civic | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
