2009 Bentley Continental GT vs. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 2009 Bentley Continental GT is newer by 31 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 5,998 cc, 2009 Bentley Continental GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Bentley Continental GT (552 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Bentley Continental GT should accelerate faster than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Bentley Continental GT weights approximately 571 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.
Because 2009 Bentley Continental GT is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Bentley Continental GT will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Bentley Continental GT (650 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Bentley Continental GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Bentley Continental GT | 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Bentley | Aston Martin |
| Model | Continental GT | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Type | W | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 552 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2385 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 97 L |
