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Aston Martin AMV8 5.3 V8 (385 Hp) Vantage
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)
AMV8 Overview:
Aston Martin AMV8 (AMV8). With a weight of 1727 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 274 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
5.3 V8 (385 Hp) Vantage Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 385 hp Vantage engine delivers thrilling performance, offering a significant power boost and a more aggressive character, especially when paired with a manual transmission for maximum driver involvement.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is very poor, reflecting the high-performance nature and era of this large V8. High running costs are to be expected.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, muscular styling
- • Powerful V8 engine sound and performance (for its era)
- • Luxurious and comfortable grand touring interior
- • Exclusivity and classic car appeal
- • Strong torque delivery
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy
- • High maintenance and parts costs
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Heavy steering and handling by modern standards
- • Limited practicality (2-door coupe)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(AMV8: 1973 - 1978).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Aston Martin |
| Model: | AMV8 |
| Generation: | AMV8 |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.3 V8 (385 Hp) Vantage |
| Start of production: | 1977 |
| End of production: | 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 385 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 72.1 Hp/l |
| Engine displacement: | 5340 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| 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: | 274 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.5 kg/Hp, 222.9 Hp/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1727 |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4674 mm mm [7mm more] |
| Width: | 1830 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1330 mm mm [Same height.] |
| 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 |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Aston Martin AMV8 rank in your book?