1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1998 BMW 323
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 17 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 381 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 397 kg more than 1998 BMW 323. 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 500 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1998 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Vantage | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 55 L |
