2012 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1295 kg more than 2009 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2009 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 2009 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | A | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
