2004 Audi A3 vs. 2001 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Audi A3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2001 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2001 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 2001 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3, 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, 2001 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A3. 2004 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2001 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2001 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2001 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Audi | Panoz |
| Model | A3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
