2008 Buick Lucerne vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Buick Lucerne. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Buick Lucerne would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 2008 Buick Lucerne. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 Buick Lucerne. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 130 kg more than 2009 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2009 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 2009 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Buick Lucerne. (308 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Buick Lucerne. 2008 Buick Lucerne has automatic transmission and 2009 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2009 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Buick Lucerne | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Buick | Panoz |
| Model | Lucerne | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
