1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 280 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 59 L |
