1998 Ford Focus vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus 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 177 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 417 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. 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, 1998 Ford Focus, 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 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Focus | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1118 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
