1998 Dodge Caravan vs. 1999 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 1999 Panoz Esperante is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 530 kg more than 1999 Panoz Esperante.
Because 1999 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 1999 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1999 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 1999 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Dodge | Panoz |
| Model | Caravan | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2700 mm |
