1998 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1998 Ford Taurus 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 117 more horse power than 1998 Ford Taurus. (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Taurus.
Because 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Taurus. (264 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Taurus | 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Ford | Aston Martin |
| Model | Taurus | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
