2006 Panoz Esperante vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 177 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 90 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Panoz Esperante | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esperante | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |
