1998 BMW 317 vs. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 459 kg more than 1998 BMW 317. 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 317 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 317 | 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
Model | 317 | V8 Volante |
Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1665 cc | 5341 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 317 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 435 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1814 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |