2003 AC Cobra vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 AC Cobra 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 (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2003 AC Cobra. (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2003 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 425 kg more than 2003 AC Cobra. 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | AC | Panoz |
| Model | Cobra | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2700 mm |
