1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2003 BMW 545
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 is newer by 25 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, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 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 144 kg more than 2003 BMW 545.
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, 2003 BMW 545 (451 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 2003 BMW 545 has automatic transmission and 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante has manual transmission. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2003 BMW 545 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | 545 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 70 L |
