2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 157 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (300 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | C | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4589 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 59 L |
