1996 Honda Prelude vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 1998 Panoz Esperante is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP) has 127 more horse power than 1996 Honda Prelude. (190 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Prelude weights approximately 60 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante.
Because 1998 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 1998 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Prelude, 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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Prelude. (214 Nm). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Prelude | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Honda | Panoz |
| Model | Prelude | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 317 HP |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2720 mm |
