1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 614 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante has manual transmission. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen W12 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | V8 Volante | W12 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5339 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 55 L |
