1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (370 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
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, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (510 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Vantage | 540 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 70 L |
