1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1999 Panoz AIV
To start off, 1999 Panoz AIV is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 149 kg more than 1999 Panoz AIV.
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, 1999 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1999 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 300 | AIV |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 59 L |
