1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1998 Panoz AIV
To start off, 1998 Panoz AIV is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1998 Panoz AIV has manual transmission. 1998 Panoz AIV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1998 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 450 | AIV |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 59 L |
