1997 Panoz AIV vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Panoz AIV (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. (188 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter weights approximately 1588 kg more than 1997 Panoz AIV.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Panoz AIV. (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Panoz AIV. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has automatic transmission and 1997 Panoz AIV has manual transmission. 1997 Panoz AIV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Panoz AIV | 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | |
| Make | Panoz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | AIV | Sprinter |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 2768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 6939 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2024 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 2814 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 4326 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 100 L |
