2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 285 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (147 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Panoz |
| Model | 156 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| 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 | 118 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
