Nikon L32 has a
20.0MP 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Panasonic FZ40 has a
14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Venus Engine HD II processor.
Nikon L32's sensor provides 6MP more than Panasonic FZ40's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Below you can see the L32 and FZ40 sensor size comparison.
Nikon L32 and Panasonic FZ40 have almost the same sensor size, so neither of them has any significant advantage over the other in terms of providing control over depth of field when used with the same focal length and aperture.