1997 Volkswagen Polo 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 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Polo 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 (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 580 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. 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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Polo | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Panoz |
| Model | Polo | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
