2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 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 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2008 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 2008 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2008 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2008 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Panoz |
| Model | Passat | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
