2005 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (317 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Panoz Esperante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 680 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Panoz Esperante.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | S | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 59 L |
