2004 Panoz Esperante vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (305 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 465 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Panoz Esperante | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Panoz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esperante | CLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
