2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (420 HP) has 192 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 107 kg more than 2006 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (529 Nm) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante 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 | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | RX-8 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 420 HP |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |
