2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3.
Because 2009 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 2009 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3, 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | 3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.3 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
