2005 Opel Astra vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (121 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 10 kg more than 2005 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Opel Astra, 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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Opel Astra | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Opel | Panoz |
| Model | Astra | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 59 L |
