1996 Aston Martin Virage vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Aston Martin Virage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Aston Martin Virage would be higher. At 5,338 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Aston Martin Virage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1996 Aston Martin Virage. (344 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 Aston Martin Virage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Aston Martin Virage weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 BMW 550.
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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Aston Martin Virage. (450 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Aston Martin Virage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Aston Martin Virage | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | Virage | 550 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5338 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 344 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
