1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 369 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. 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 Volante (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | 520 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 80 L |
