2008 Audi A3 vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Audi A3 would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A3 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2009 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2008 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Panoz Esperante. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Audi | Panoz |
| Model | A3 | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 234 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
