1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 2003 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2003 Panoz Esperante is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz Esperante (318 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. (106 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 2003 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 220 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 59 L |
