2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 2003 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2005 Dodge Nitro is newer by 2 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 110 more horse power than 2005 Dodge Nitro. (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2005 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 595 kg more than 2003 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2005 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Panoz Esperante. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Dodge Nitro. 2005 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2003 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2003 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Nitro | 2003 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Dodge | Panoz |
| Model | Nitro | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2720 mm |
