2006 Panoz Esperante vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 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 (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 189 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 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 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Panoz Esperante | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esperante | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
