2005 Panoz Esperante vs. 1998 Saab 900i
To start off, 2005 Panoz Esperante is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Saab 900i. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Saab 900i would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1998 Saab 900i. (126 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1998 Saab 900i. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saab 900i weights approximately 23 kg more than 2005 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2005 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 2005 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Saab 900i, 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, 2005 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Saab 900i. (170 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Saab 900i.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Panoz Esperante | 1998 Saab 900i | |
| Make | Panoz | Saab |
| Model | Esperante | 900i |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 68 L |
