2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1997 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Panoz AIV (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 897 kg more than 1997 Panoz AIV.
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, 1997 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1997 Panoz AIV has manual transmission. 1997 Panoz AIV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1997 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Explorer | AIV |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 59 L |
