2008 Acura TL vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Acura TL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Acura TL. (286 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Acura TL weights approximately 4 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante.
Because 1998 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 1998 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL, 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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Acura TL. (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Acura TL. 2008 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 1998 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 1998 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura TL | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Acura | Panoz |
| Model | TL | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 59 L |
