2006 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 271 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Panoz |
| Model | New Beetle | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1264 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
