1998 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Astra 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 231 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 365 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. 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 Opel Astra, 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 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (167 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Astra | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Opel | Panoz |
| Model | Astra | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 59 L |
