1998 Panoz Esperante vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Charger (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1998 Panoz Esperante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 710 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Dodge Charger (637 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Panoz Esperante. 2012 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1998 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 1998 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Panoz Esperante | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Panoz | Dodge |
| Model | Esperante | Charger |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 637 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5088 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 72 L |
