1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2002 BMW M3
To start off, 2002 BMW M3 is newer by 21 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 211 more horse power than 2002 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 397 kg more than 2002 BMW M3. 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) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW M3. (355 Nm). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW M3. 2002 BMW M3 has automatic transmission and 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW M3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2002 BMW M3 | |
Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
Model | V8 Vantage | M3 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5340 cc | 3246 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 549 HP | 338 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
Torque | 745 Nm | 355 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1595 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 67 L |