2006 Panoz Esperante vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 225 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2006 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2006 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Panoz Esperante | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Panoz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esperante | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
