2002 Lotus Exige vs. 2005 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2005 Panoz Esperante is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 492 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 2005 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Lotus | Panoz |
| Model | Exige | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 59 L |
