1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (420 HP) has 235 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (529 Nm) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2004 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2004 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 280 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 420 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2700 mm |
