2006 Panoz Esperante vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 305 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 200 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Panoz Esperante | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Panoz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Esperante | CLS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| 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 | 1535 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
