2008 Cadillac XLR vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Cadillac XLR 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, 2008 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (317 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1998 Panoz Esperante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 368 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Cadillac XLR. (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Cadillac XLR. 2008 Cadillac XLR 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 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac XLR | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Cadillac | Panoz |
| Model | XLR | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4566 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
