1998 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Astra 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 (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra.
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 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (130 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Opel | Panoz |
| Model | Astra | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2700 mm |
