2003 Audi A8 vs. 1999 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2003 Audi A8 is newer by 4 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 100 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A8 weights approximately 585 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, 2003 Audi A8, 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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 8200 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 1999 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Audi | Panoz |
| Model | A8 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 59 L |
