2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2006 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2006 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
