1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2003 BMW 320
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 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 175 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 504 kg more than 2003 BMW 320. 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 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (200 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 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2003 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | 320 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 200 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 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 67 L |
