1989 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 305 kg more than 1989 Mazda RX-7. 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda RX-7 | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | RX-7 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2700 mm |
