1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 6,329 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1235 kg more than 2009 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Panoz Esperante. (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Panoz Esperante.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 600 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6329 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2770 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6250 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3910 mm | 2700 mm |
