1971 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2000 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2000 Panoz AIV is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 180 kg more than 2000 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, 2000 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2000 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | SL | AIV |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
