2002 Toyota Soarer vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Soarer. (276 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 195 kg more than 2008 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2008 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 2008 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Soarer, 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Soarer. (430 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Soarer. 2002 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 2008 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2008 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota Soarer | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Toyota | Panoz |
| Model | Soarer | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
