2006 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 8 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 199 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 152 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante.
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, 2006 Ford Focus, 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 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (166 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Focus | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 59 L |
