1983 Maserati 420 vs. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1983 Maserati 420 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1983 Maserati 420. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1983 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 634 kg more than 1983 Maserati 420. 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, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Maserati 420. (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Maserati 420 | 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Maserati | Aston Martin |
| Model | 420 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2620 mm |
