1986 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 De Tomaso Pantera 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 @ 6000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 340 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1986 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 De Tomaso Pantera | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pantera | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 80 L |
