2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1998 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 9 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 6,206 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK (474 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (317 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1998 Panoz Esperante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 485 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Panoz Esperante. (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Panoz Esperante. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1998 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 1998 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1998 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | CLK | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6206 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 474 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 59 L |
