1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS-V
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V is newer by 31 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V (556 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V should accelerate faster than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS-V weights approximately 101 kg more than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V (746 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2012 Cadillac CTS-V | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Cadillac |
| Model | V8 Volante | CTS-V |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 556 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 746 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4788 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 68 L |
