1997 Lancia Kappa vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lancia Kappa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lancia Kappa 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 103 more horse power than 1997 Lancia Kappa. (202 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1997 Lancia Kappa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 15 kg more than 2008 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2008 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 2008 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Lancia Kappa, 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lancia Kappa. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lancia Kappa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lancia Kappa | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Lancia | Panoz |
| Model | Kappa | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
