2001 Panoz Esperante vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Panoz Esperante 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 168 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 80 kg more than 2001 Panoz Esperante.
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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Panoz Esperante | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esperante | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| 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 | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
