2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 102 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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 (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2007 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2007 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | RX-8 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
