2003 Panoz Esperante vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Panoz Esperante 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 180 more horse power than 2011 Opel Astra. (138 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2011 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Opel Astra weights approximately 8 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, 2011 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, 2003 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Opel Astra. (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Panoz Esperante | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Panoz | Opel |
| Model | Esperante | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 318 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 208 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 | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 52 L |
