2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 248 kg more than 2003 Panoz AIV.
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, 2003 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | RX-8 | AIV |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |
