2008 Audi S8 vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Audi S8 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 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi S8 (450 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (317 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Panoz Esperante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 110 kg more than 2008 Audi S8.
Because 2008 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Panoz Esperante. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi S8 will offer significantly more control. 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 Audi S8 (540 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Panoz Esperante. 2008 Audi S8 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 Audi S8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi S8 | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Audi | Panoz |
| Model | S8 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 59 L |
