2006 Panoz Esperante vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 350 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Panoz Esperante | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esperante | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
