1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Panoz Esperante (420 HP) has 286 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 127 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 230 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 420 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 59 L |
