1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2005 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2005 Panoz AIV is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Panoz AIV (408 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2005 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | 420 | AIV |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2660 mm |
