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Aston Martin AMV8 Volante 5.3 (309 Hp)
Overall Rating
Aston Martin AMV8:
The Aston Martin V8 is a grand tourer manufactured by Aston Martin in the United Kingdom from 1969 to 1989. As with all traditional Aston Martins, it was entirely handbuilt – with each car requiring 1,200 man-hours to finish.
Aston Martin were looking to replace the DB6 model and had designed a larger, more modern looking car. The engine was not ready, however, so in 1967 the company released the DBS with the straight-six Vantage engine from the DB6. Two years later, Tadek Marek's V8 was ready, and Aston released the DBS V8. With the demise of the straight-six Vantage in 1973, the DBS V8, now restyled and called simply the Aston Martin V8, became the company's mainstream car for nearly two decades. It was eventually retired in favour of the Virage in 1989....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Volante Overview:
Aston Martin AMV8 (Volante). With a weight of 1791 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 229 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
5.3 (309 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A solid performer, this V8 variant still provides ample power for comfortable cruising and spirited driving, though not as potent as the higher-output versions.
Fuel Economy
Typical for a large V8 of its time, this engine is not fuel-efficient, demanding frequent stops at the pump.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant styling and road presence
- • Powerful and sonorous V8 engine options
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior for grand touring
- • Exclusivity and strong collector appeal
- • Open-top motoring experience
Cons:
- • Very high fuel consumption
- • Significant maintenance costs and complexity typical of classic cars
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Handling not comparable to modern sports cars
- • Potential for rust and electrical issues common in vehicles of its era
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(AMV8: 1977 - 1989).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Aston Martin |
| Model: | AMV8 |
| Generation: | Volante |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.3 (309 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1978 |
| End of production: | 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 309 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 57.9 Hp/l |
| Engine displacement: | 5340 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 100 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 229 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.8 kg/Hp, 172.5 Hp/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1791 |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4674 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1830 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1372 mm mm [42mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2610 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1500 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1500 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.58 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension De-Dion |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Aston Martin AMV8?