2008 BMW 550 vs. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 27 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, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 154 kg more than 2008 BMW 550.
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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | 550 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 5341 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 97 L |
