1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2005 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2005 Panoz Esperante is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 268 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2005 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2005 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2005 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 500 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 59 L |
