2008 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 55 kg more than 2008 BMW M3. 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, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | M3 | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
