2003 Panoz AIV vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 116 kg more than 2003 Panoz AIV.
Because 2003 Panoz AIV 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 2003 Panoz AIV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2003 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Panoz AIV | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | AIV | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
