1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 71 kg more than 1982 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, 1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | M3 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 63 L |
