1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2001 BMW M3
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (310 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 159 kg more than 2001 BMW M3.
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, 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M3. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2001 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | M3 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 63 L |
