2007 Mazda 3 vs. 2003 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz Esperante (318 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 10 kg more than 2007 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 2003 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | 3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
