2009 BMW 523 vs. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 28 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 314 kg more than 2009 BMW 523. 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | 523 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 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 | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 97 L |
