2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 2003 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (309 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Panoz AIV. (301 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2003 Panoz AIV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 536 kg more than 2003 Panoz AIV. 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, 2003 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan 350Z. (358 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan 350Z | 2003 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Nissan | Panoz |
| Model | 350Z | AIV |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 309 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 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 | 1716 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |
