1999 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 335 kg more than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Sunfire | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Pontiac | Panoz |
| Model | Sunfire | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
