2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 393 kg more than 2009 Panoz Esperante.
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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2009 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | SL | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |
