2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 115 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2001 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
