1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 22 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 394 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 515 kg more than 2003 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 501 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus. 2003 Ford Taurus 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. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Ford |
| Model | V8 Vantage | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 68 L |
