1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1988 BMW M5
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 6 more horse power than 1988 BMW M5. (311 HP @ 6900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 81 kg more than 1988 BMW M5. 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1988 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | M5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 3533 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 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 | 1733 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2770 mm |
