1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 140 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | C | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 59 L |
