1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 167 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 510 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
