1952 BMW 501 vs. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 BMW 501 would be higher. At 5,339 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 529 kg more than 1952 BMW 501. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante has automatic transmission and 1952 BMW 501 has manual transmission. 1952 BMW 501 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | 501 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
