2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano vs. 1999 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 1560 kg more than 1999 Panoz Esperante.
Because 1999 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano. 2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano has automatic transmission and 1999 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 1999 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz Viano | 1999 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | Viano | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 59 L |
