2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 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 80 more horse power than 2007 Panoz Esperante. (420 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2007 Panoz Esperante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 410 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (652 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Panoz Esperante. (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Panoz Esperante.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 652 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |
