1998 Mercury Villager vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Villager. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Villager would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Villager. (149 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Villager. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Villager weights approximately 313 kg more than 2007 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2007 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 2007 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Villager, 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Villager | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercury | Panoz |
| Model | Villager | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2700 mm |
