1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2000 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2000 Panoz Esperante is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Panoz Esperante (317 HP) has 183 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 218 kg more than 2000 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, 2000 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 2000 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2000 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2000 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 230 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 317 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 59 L |
