1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1994 BMW M3
To start off, 1994 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,338 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1994 BMW M3. (281 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 525 kg more than 1994 BMW M3. 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 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW M3. (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1994 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Vantage | M3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5338 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 65 L |
