1992 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 60 kg more than 1992 BMW 540. 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, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 540. (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | 540 | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
