1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1997 BMW Z3
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 421 kg more than 1997 BMW Z3.
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, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW Z3. (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1997 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 3245 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 51 L |
