2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 11 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 85 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
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 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | RX-8 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 59 L |
