2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 421 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 1998 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 1998 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Dodge | Panoz |
| Model | Nitro | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 59 L |
