1996 Opel Vectra vs. 2001 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2001 Panoz Esperante is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1996 Opel Vectra. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 47 kg more than 1996 Opel Vectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra, 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, 2001 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Vectra. (150 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Vectra | 2001 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Opel | Panoz |
| Model | Vectra | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1223 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
