1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2001 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2001 Panoz Esperante is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 102 more horse power than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 23 kg more than 2001 Panoz Esperante.
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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2001 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 300 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 217 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 | 1293 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 59 L |
