1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 349 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 559 kg more than 1974 BMW 3. 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 475 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Vantage | 3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2700 mm |
