2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1997 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Panoz AIV (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1997 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1997 Panoz AIV has manual transmission. 1997 Panoz AIV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1997 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | RX-8 | AIV |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
