1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 27 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 2008 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 372 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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 535 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2008 BMW 320 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. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Vantage | 320 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 63 L |
