1998 Ford Probe vs. 1999 Panoz AIV
To start off, 1999 Panoz AIV is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Probe would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1998 Ford Probe. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Probe weights approximately 50 kg more than 1999 Panoz AIV.
Because 1999 Panoz AIV 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 AIV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe, 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 AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Probe | 1999 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Probe | AIV |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
