2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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 159 more horse power than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (146 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 130 kg more than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Panoz |
| Model | Eclipse | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
