2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 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 136 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 22 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1997 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | AIV |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 59 L |
