2002 Mitsubishi Dion vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mitsubishi Dion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mitsubishi Dion would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2002 Mitsubishi Dion. (133 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2002 Mitsubishi Dion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 149 kg more than 2002 Mitsubishi Dion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion, 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mitsubishi Dion. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mitsubishi Dion. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion has automatic transmission and 2007 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2007 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mitsubishi Dion | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Panoz |
| Model | Dion | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
