2006 Panoz Esperante vs. 2008 Saturn Astra
To start off, 2008 Saturn Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Panoz Esperante 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 (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Astra. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Saturn Astra weights approximately 253 kg more than 2006 Panoz Esperante.
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, 2008 Saturn Astra, 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 (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Panoz Esperante | 2008 Saturn Astra | |
| Make | Panoz | Saturn |
| Model | Esperante | Astra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 46 L |
