2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Panoz Esperante is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP) has 188 more horse power than 2004 Panoz Esperante. (305 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Panoz Esperante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 575 kg more than 2004 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Panoz Esperante. (434 Nm). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Panoz Esperante. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2004 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | SL | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 4587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 305 HP |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |
