1980 BMW M5 vs. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1980 BMW M5 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 427 kg more than 1980 BMW M5. 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 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | M5 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 97 L |
