2004 Kia Optima vs. 2001 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Kia Optima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 2004 Kia Optima. (137 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Optima weights approximately 218 kg more than 2001 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2001 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 2001 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Kia Optima, 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, 2001 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Optima. (199 Nm). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Kia Optima | 2001 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Kia | Panoz |
| Model | Optima | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 59 L |
