2006 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (310 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 159 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
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, 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | M3 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 97 L |
