1986 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera is newer by 1 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 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP) has 216 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera 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 68 kg more than 1986 De Tomaso Pantera.
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, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 De Tomaso Pantera 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 1986 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1986 De Tomaso Pantera 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:
| 1986 De Tomaso Pantera | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pantera | 230 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 72 L |
