1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2000 BMW Z3
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 19 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 150 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 428 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3. 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 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante has manual transmission. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2000 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 51 L |
