2004 Panoz Esperante vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (420 HP) has 295 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 65 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (529 Nm) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Panoz Esperante | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Panoz | Pontiac |
| Model | Esperante | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 125 HP |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2750 mm |
