2003 Panoz Esperante vs. 2001 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2003 Panoz Esperante is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Renault Vel Satis 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 155 more horse power than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. (163 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 370 kg more than 2003 Panoz Esperante.
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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis, 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 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Renault Vel Satis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Panoz Esperante | 2001 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Panoz | Renault |
| Model | Esperante | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 318 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
