2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 306 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 203 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Panoz |
| Model | Golf | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
