1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 31 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 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 504 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4.
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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4. 2009 BMW Z4 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. 2009 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 55 L |
