2003 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Astra 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 (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (75 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 107 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Opel Astra, 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 (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (171 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Opel | Panoz |
| Model | Astra | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.2 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.4 L/100km | 14.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 59 L |
