2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2003 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz Esperante (318 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 515 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 2003 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2003 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2003 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | CLK | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 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 | 1785 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 59 L |
