1961 Aston Martin DB4 vs. 1986 BMW M5
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Aston Martin DB4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Aston Martin DB4 would be higher. At 3,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Aston Martin DB4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Aston Martin DB4 (266 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1986 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Aston Martin DB4 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 166 kg more than 1961 Aston Martin DB4.
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. Let's talk about torque, 1961 Aston Martin DB4 (346 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M5. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Aston Martin DB4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M5. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1961 Aston Martin DB4 has manual transmission. 1961 Aston Martin DB4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Aston Martin DB4 | 1986 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB4 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3670 cc | 3428 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1353 kg | 1519 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 120 L |
