2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 4 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2008 Panoz Esperante. (305 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Panoz Esperante. (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Panoz Esperante. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2008 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2008 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Panoz |
| Model | CLS | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |
