1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 9 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 217 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 734 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | 316 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 70 L |
