2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2008 Panoz Esperante. (305 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Panoz Esperante.
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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Panoz Esperante. (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Panoz Esperante.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | 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 | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |
