1996 Mazda 121 vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121.
Because 2006 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 2006 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121, 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | 121 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2700 mm |
