1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2011 Alpina B7
To start off, 2011 Alpina B7 is newer by 33 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, 2011 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B7 weights approximately 326 kg more than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 2011 Alpina B7 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. 2011 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2011 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Alpina |
| Model | V8 Volante | B7 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 2140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 82 L |
