1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 753 kg more than 2006 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, both vehicles can yield 570 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2006 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2006 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | S | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2700 mm |
