1999 Panoz Esperante vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1999 Panoz Esperante.
Because 1999 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 1999 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1999 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 1999 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Panoz Esperante | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esperante | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
