2003 Panoz Esperante vs. 1996 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Panoz Esperante is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Megane would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz Esperante (318 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 150 kg more than 1996 Renault Megane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Renault Megane, 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, 2003 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane. 1996 Renault Megane has automatic transmission and 2003 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2003 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Renault Megane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Panoz Esperante | 1996 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Panoz | Renault |
| Model | Esperante | Megane |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 318 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
