1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 293 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Contour | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
