1998 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1999 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 1999 Panoz Esperante is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 175 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | 1999 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | A | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2700 mm |
