1997 Acura EL vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Acura EL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Acura EL 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 (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1997 Acura EL. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1997 Acura EL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 408 kg more than 1997 Acura EL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Acura EL, 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 (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Acura EL. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Acura EL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Acura EL | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Acura | Panoz |
| Model | EL | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1079 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4478 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1704 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1394 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2619 mm | 2700 mm |
