1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom
To start off, 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom 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 6,700 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom (453 HP @ 5350 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom should accelerate faster than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom weights approximately 816 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 Rolls-Royce Phantom (719 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom 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. 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | V8 Volante | Phantom |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 6700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 453 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 2630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5839 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1638 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3571 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 100 L |
