2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 62 kg more than 2008 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota, 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Dodge | Panoz |
| Model | Dakota | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 59 L |
