1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2006 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 244 kg more than 2006 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, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2006 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Volante | M3 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 63 L |
