1986 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1986 De Tomaso Pantera. (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 De Tomaso Pantera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 530 kg more than 1986 De Tomaso Pantera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 De Tomaso Pantera. (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 De Tomaso Pantera. 2002 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 De Tomaso Pantera | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pantera | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 87 mm |
| 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 | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 80 L |
