2006 Aston Martin V12 vs. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 2006 Aston Martin V12 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Aston Martin V12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Aston Martin V12 (521 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Aston Martin V12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Aston Martin V12 weights approximately 64 kg more than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 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, 2006 Aston Martin V12 (577 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Aston Martin V12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Aston Martin V12 | 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Aston Martin |
| Model | V12 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 521 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 577 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1878 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 97 L |
