1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,338 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (370 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 165 kg more than 2008 BMW M3. 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, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (510 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Vantage | M3 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5338 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 63 L |
