2008 Kia Sportage vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 55 kg more than 2009 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2009 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 2009 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage, 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Kia | Panoz |
| Model | Sportage | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 59 L |
