1961 BMW 501 vs. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 501 would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP) has 217 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 473 kg more than 1961 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. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 501. (182 Nm). This means 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | 501 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 317 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 97 L |
