2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 195 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Panoz |
| Model | 156 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.5 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
