2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 4 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), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 179 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | RX-8 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |
