1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2004 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2004 Panoz AIV is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 430 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 2004 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | S | AIV |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 59 L |
