1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1998 Ford Probe
To start off, 1998 Ford Probe is newer by 17 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 202 more horse power than 1998 Ford Probe. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 584 kg more than 1998 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 Volante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe, 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 Volante (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1998 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Ford |
| Model | V8 Volante | Probe |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
