2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet SSR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet SSR would be higher. At 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 667 kg more than 2008 Panoz Esperante.
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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. 2003 Chevrolet SSR 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. 2003 Chevrolet SSR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Panoz |
| Model | SSR | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2700 mm |
