1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 312 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 137 kg more than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (186 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 has automatic transmission and 2008 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2008 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 230.4 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 59 L |
