2003 Nissan Altima vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Altima. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Altima weights approximately 20 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante.
Because 1998 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 1998 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima, 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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Altima. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Altima | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Nissan | Panoz |
| Model | Altima | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 59 L |
