1997 BMW Z3 vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW Z3 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 87 more horse power than 1997 BMW Z3. (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 317 kg more than 1997 BMW Z3. 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 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW Z3. (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW Z3. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 BMW Z3 | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
Model | Z3 | V8 Vantage |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3245 cc | 4700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 333 HP | 420 HP |
Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 7300 RPM |
Torque | 355 Nm | 469 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1710 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4382 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1867 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2601 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |