2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (317 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Panoz Esperante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 154 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 1998 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 1998 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500, 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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Panoz Esperante.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
Make | Ford | Panoz |
Model | Shelby GT 500 | Esperante |
Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5409 cc | 4599 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 500 HP | 317 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 651 Nm | 426 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1270 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |