2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2001 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (265 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 270 kg more than 2001 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2001 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 2001 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 2001 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (355 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2001 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Panoz |
| Model | Eclipse | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3827 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 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 | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 59 L |
