2001 Panoz Esperante vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Panoz Esperante is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Panoz Esperante (317 HP) has 242 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (75 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 370 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 2001 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (114 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Panoz Esperante | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esperante | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
