1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 994 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Volante (434 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | V8 Volante | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 40 L |
