2002 Kia Rio vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Kia Rio would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 2002 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2002 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 250 kg more than 2002 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Kia Rio, 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Kia Rio. (113 Nm). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Kia Rio | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Kia | Panoz |
| Model | Rio | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 71.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2660 mm |
