Aston Martin Vantage

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BMW M4 Competition M xDrive Coupe

A low and wide Vantage with a dedicated body

This time, we have picked the BMW M4 Competition M xDrive Coupe as a rival to the Aston Martin Vantage. The two cars have very different origins: the Vantage has a dedicated body with a long nose and short deck, while the M4, although equipped with dedicated aerodynamic components, is based on the 4 Series Coupe, a sister model of the 3 Series in the D segment.

At 4,805mm long, the M4 is 310mm longer, but the Vantage is 95mm wider and 125mm lower. While the Vantage has a low, wide sports car look, the M4 should be considered a two-door coupe with a four-door sedan as its sibling. However, while the Vantage is a two-seater, the M4 has a rear seat and a generously sized trunk.

Aston Martin Vantage

Body size = Length 4495mm x Width 1980mm x Height 1275mm

Wheelbase = 2705mm

Vehicle weight = 1745kg (AT)

Tire size = 275/35/ZR21 (front), 325/30/ZR21 (rear)

BMW M4 Competition M xDrive Coupe

Body size = Length 4805mm x Width 1885mm x Height 1400mm

Wheelbase = 2855mm

Vehicle weight = 1790kg

Tire size = 275/35R19 (front), 285/30R20 (rear)

Overwhelming power difference but same acceleration level

BMW M4 Competition M xDrive Coupe — Aston Martin Vantage

The Vantage is equipped with a Mercedes-AMG 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that has been specially tuned for Aston Martin and produces a maximum output of 665 PS, while the M4 is equipped with BMW’s traditional 3.0-liter inline 6 twin-turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 530 PS. Due to the difference in displacement, there is a difference of 135 PS in output.

However, both the Vantage and the M4 achieved the same 0-100km/h acceleration of 3.5 seconds. This is because, unlike the classic rear-wheel drive Vantage, the M4 is equipped with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, specially developed by BMW M. By demonstrating high motorsport-oriented traction performance, the M4 showed the same acceleration level as the Vantage, which has much more power.

The Vantage wins, boasting a top speed of over 300km/h, while the M4 is electronically limited to 250km/h, but with the M Driver’s Package installed, it can be increased to 290km/h.

Aston Martin Vantage

Engine type = V8 gasoline twin turbo

Displacement = 3982cc

Maximum output = 665PS / 6000rpm

Maximum torque = 800Nm / 2000-5000rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = RWD

Top speed = 325km/h

0-100km/k acceleration = 3.5 seconds

BMW M4 Competition M xDrive Coupe

Engine type = Inline 6-cylinder DOHC gasoline twin turbo

Displacement = 2992cc

Maximum output = 530PS / 6250rpm

Maximum torque = 650Nm / 2750-5500rpm

Transmission = 8-speed M Steptronic (AT)

Drive system = AWD

Top speed = 250km/h

0-100km/k acceleration = 3.5 seconds

An interior with overwhelming quality that surpasses the M4

As a luxury brand from the UK, Aston Martin, the Vantage is not particularly flashy, but it has a beautiful interior with attention to detail. As for the M4, although it is equipped with a special “M leather steering wheel” and “M carbon bucket seats”, it is difficult to achieve the same quality as the Vantage in terms of cost.

The Vantage is priced at 26.9 million yen, while the BMW M4 Competition M xDrive Coupe is priced at 15.04 million yen. As the price difference of approximately 12 million yen shows, the two cars are in completely different segments, including the equipment and interior and exterior finishes. However, the M4 is endowed with outstanding driving performance that BMW has cultivated in motorsports and on the circuit, and once brought to the circuit, it is certain that it has the ability to overturn the difference in power and price.

For the M4, you can also choose the open-top M4 Competition M xDrive Cabriolet (15.94 million yen), which has almost the same performance, or the four-door M3 Competition M xDrive Touring (14.7 million yen), which is highly practical.