2001 Panoz Esperante vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Panoz Esperante is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 @ 6000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (150 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 58 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (202 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Panoz Esperante | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esperante | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
