1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1996 BMW Z3

To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 365 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (184 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 690 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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 470 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.

Compare all specifications:

1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 1996 BMW Z3
Make Aston Martin BMW
Model V8 Vantage Z3
Year Released 1981 1996
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5340 cc 2793 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 549 HP 184 HP
Engine RPM 6500 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 745 Nm 275 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 3950 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1992 kg 1302 kg
Vehicle Length 4610 mm 4030 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1290 mm
Wheelbase Size 2620 mm 2450 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 113 L 51 L


 

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