1994 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 1994 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (543 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 420 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 770 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. 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, 1994 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 575 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | V8 Vantage | 520 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 543 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 105 L | 70 L |
