1998 Mercedes-Benz V vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz V. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz V would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz V. (139 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz V. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz V weights approximately 465 kg more than 2006 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2006 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 2006 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz V, 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz V. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz V.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz V | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | V | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2700 mm |
