1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2007 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 355 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 2007 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | S | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
