1984 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,339 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Volante (309 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 544 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. 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, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1984 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | 3 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5339 cc | 3003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 309 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 70 L |
