1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2003 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 22 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 176 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 554 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. 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 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318. 2003 BMW 318 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. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2003 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | 318 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 63 L |
