2009 Panoz Esperante vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline 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 327 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (93 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 437 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 1981 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 2009 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2009 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Panoz Esperante | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Panoz | Nissan |
| Model | Esperante | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2620 mm |
