2002 Acura RSX vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante

To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura RSX would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 2002 Acura RSX. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2002 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 265 kg more than 2002 Acura RSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2006 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 2006 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura RSX, 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura RSX.

Compare all specifications:

2002 Acura RSX 2006 Panoz Esperante
Make Acura Panoz
Model RSX Esperante
Year Released 2002 2006
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1998 cc 4589 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 158 HP 420 HP
Engine RPM 6500 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 191 Nm 570 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 3500 RPM
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1222 kg 1487 kg
Vehicle Length 4380 mm 4730 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1880 mm
Vehicle Height 1410 mm 1360 mm
Wheelbase Size 2540 mm 2700 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 59 L