2006 Panoz Esperante vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 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 98 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (207 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 2 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, 2012 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 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Panoz Esperante | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esperante | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
