2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 34 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 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 183 kg more than 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Aston Martin |
| Model | V8 Vantage | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4700 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1631 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4382 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1867 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2601 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 97 L |
