2006 Panoz Esperante vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird 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 159 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Panoz Esperante | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Panoz | Pontiac |
| Model | Esperante | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2570 mm |
