1978 Mazda Cosmo vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda Cosmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda Cosmo 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 212 more horse power than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 443 kg more than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda Cosmo. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda Cosmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda Cosmo | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | Cosmo | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 59 L |
