2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Panoz AIV weights approximately 25 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, 2002 Panoz AIV (408 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Panoz AIV 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 | 2002 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | AIV |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| 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 | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1155 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 | 50 L | 59 L |
