2011 Dodge Nitro vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2011 Dodge Nitro is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Panoz Esperante 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 (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2011 Dodge Nitro. (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2011 Dodge Nitro.
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 (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Nitro. (359 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Nitro. 2011 Dodge Nitro 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. 2011 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Dodge Nitro | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Dodge | Panoz |
| Model | Nitro | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4544 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1791 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2764 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 59 L |
