2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante.
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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | RX-8 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |
