1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1996 Toyota MR2. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota MR2.
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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (131 Nm). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Toyota | Panoz |
| Model | MR2 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 59 L |
