2003 Panoz Esperante vs. 1998 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2003 Panoz Esperante is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Starlet 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 244 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 520 kg more than 1998 Toyota Starlet. 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, 1998 Toyota Starlet, 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 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Panoz Esperante | 1998 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Panoz | Toyota |
| Model | Esperante | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 318 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
