1968 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (420 HP) has 251 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (169 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 75 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (529 Nm) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (240 Nm). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | SE | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 420 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 59 L |
