1998 Panoz Esperante vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 Panoz Esperante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 620 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Panoz Esperante. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1998 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 1998 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Panoz Esperante | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Panoz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Esperante | CLS |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4599 cc | 4663 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 317 HP | 402 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 426 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1890 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |