1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,587 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (305 HP) has 125 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 231 kg more than 2004 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2004 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 2004 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera, 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (364 Nm). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2004 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2004 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Buick | Panoz |
| Model | Riviera | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 4587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 305 HP |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 59 L |
