1997 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda (286 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1997 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda weights approximately 926 kg more than 1997 BMW M3. 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, 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda (434 Nm) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3. 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | M3 | Lagonda |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2920 mm |
