Performance Review: Aston-Martin Virage 5.3 V8 1988 - [1988]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Aston-Martin Virage Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Aston-Martin Virage 5.3 V8 1988 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1988. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1989 Ferrari F40 LM Competizione 2.9 V8 Twin Turbo and the 1989 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10.This particular Aston-Martin Virage has a 5341cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Virage shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Virage's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1950 kgs (4299 lbs) this makes the Aston-Martin Virage 5.3 V8 1988 in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition Touring 3.0 xDrive or the give or take 50kg.

The Aston-Martin Virage shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 5341cc 32V V8 engine produces 330 bhp (246 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (348 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 350 lb-ft (474.5 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (332 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Aston-Martin Virage you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1992 BMW 5 Series M5 E34 (194.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Aston-Martin Virage.

The Aston-Martin Virage has a Power to weight ratio of 169.2 bhp per ton and 179.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1988 Virage competing with the 1992 BMW 5 Series M5 E34 (194.2 bhp per ton) or the 2012 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 Supercharged (194.2 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Aston-Martin Virage generating around 179.4 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2006 Lotus Exige GT3 1.8 16v Supercharged (204.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 1964 Ford Thunderbird 390 Convertible 4th Gen. (204.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.0 secs, this made the Aston-Martin Virage 5.3 V8 1988 as fast as the 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD 3.7 V6 (6.80 secs) the 2015 Renault Megane Energy TCe 205 GT 1.6 Turbo (6.80 secs) the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Countrman (6.80 secs) the or the 2010 Alfa-Romeo Brera JTS 3.2 V6 24v (6.80 secs). This Aston-Martin Virage 5.3 V8 1988 is also faster than the 2015 Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Coupe (6.90 secs) the 2013 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 V6 Supercharged (6.90 secs) the 2012 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 Turbo (6.90 secs) the and the 2009 Renault Clio 2.0 RenaultSport III 200 Cup (6.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Virage and the 1974 Lancia Stratos 2.5 V6

When talking about the performance of the Aston-Martin Virage on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.72 secs @ 93.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1974 Lancia Stratos 2.5 V6 (14.65 secs), the 1997 Mercedes C Class 43 AMG (14.65 secs), and the 2011 Audi A1 Quattro 2.0 Turbo (14.65 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1988 version of the Aston-Martin Virage 5.3 V8 1988 has a maximum speed of 157mph.

Top Speed of the 1988 Virage equals the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo (168 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1988 Aston-Martin Virage 5.3 V8 1988 then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo (168 mph), the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo (168 mph), or the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo AWD (168 mph).

Related Links:

1988 Virage Rivals List.

A Brief History of Aston-Martin

Car Comparison