2004 Audi A3 vs. 2003 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2004 Audi A3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz Esperante (318 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 140 kg more than 2003 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2003 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 2003 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, 2003 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2003 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Audi | Panoz |
| Model | A3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
