1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 1998 Panoz Esperante is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 199 more horse power than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 220 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
