1980 Aston Martin Bulldog Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Aston Martin Bulldog weighs around 1,574 kg (3,470 lbs). This relatively moderate weight for a supercar of its time played a critical role in balancing power and handling. The car was built with a focus on high performance, featuring a strong V8 engine, and the weight distribution optimized for stability and control at high speeds. The Bulldog’s lightweight construction combined with its powerful drivetrain allowed it to achieve impressive acceleration and top-speed capabilities, making it a pioneering vehicle in the speed and supercar segment.

Given its dimensions — particularly the width of 2,031 mm (79.9 inches) and a low height of 1,070 mm (42.1 inches) — the Aston Martin Bulldog presents a tight fit for a standard residential garage. Many typical garages have widths around 2,400 mm (94.5 inches), so the Bulldog will fit width-wise but with limited clearance on the sides. The low height helps avoid overhead clearance issues. However, owners should carefully measure their garage space since the Bulldog is wider and sportier in profile than many regular cars, requiring cautious parking maneuvers and slightly more space than typical vehicles.

The Aston Martin Bulldog is a two-seater coupe designed primarily with a performance-oriented focus rather than maximizing interior comfort or passenger capacity. The cabin provides a snug but driver-focused environment with minimal rear seating or cargo space, emphasizing the car’s sports car identity. The interior layout centers on ergonomics suitable for high-speed driving, with controls within easy reach and supportive seating for driver and passenger. Due to the car’s dimensions and design philosophy, there is limited headroom and legroom compared to more practical vehicles.

The Aston Martin Bulldog does not have a direct predecessor since it was a unique one-off prototype designed to showcase high performance and design innovation. However, when compared dimensionally to models like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage of the late 1970s, the Bulldog is notably wider and lower. Its width of 2,031 mm (79.9 inches) surpasses that of the V8 Vantage, and its low-slung height of 1,070 mm (42.1 inches) gives it a more aggressive, aerodynamic profile. The Bulldog was an experimental leap in both design and dimensioning, emphasizing speed and futuristic styling.

Compared to other supercars of the early 1980s, such as the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach, the Aston Martin Bulldog was similarly wide but generally lower in height, making it one of the lowest cars of its time with a height of just 1,070 mm (42.1 inches). Its length of 4,561 mm (179.5 inches) was comparable to these rivals, while its width gave it a commanding road presence. The Bulldog’s design focused heavily on aerodynamics and low drag, elements that also influenced its dimensions. Overall, its size was in line with the top-tier supercars yet unique in its proportionate emphasis on width and low height.

The Aston Martin Bulldog was powered by a heavily modified 5.3-liter V8 engine producing around 700 horsepower, a significant power output for its time. It was paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The car was engineered to break speed records, achieving a top speed of approximately 321 km/h (200 mph), making it one of the fastest cars in the world in 1980. Its performance was supported by bespoke suspension and aerodynamic design, making the Bulldog a remarkable feat of engineering focused on speed and handling precision.

The Aston Martin Bulldog's exterior design is defined by broad, muscular wheel arches, a very low roofline of just 1,070 mm (42.1 inches), and a wide stance measuring 2,031 mm (79.9 inches) across. Its wedge-shaped profile is aerodynamic and instantly recognizable, with pop-up headlights and a wide front grille. The expansive glass area and sharply raked windshield emphasize its futuristic appearance. Its large dimensions coupled with a smooth, aerodynamic envelope helped minimize drag while maximizing on-road stability at high speeds.

As a high-performance prototype sports coupe, the Aston Martin Bulldog offers very limited cargo space. The focus on performance and aerodynamics meant that storage was a secondary consideration, with only modest capacity behind the seats primarily intended for small luggage or equipment. Unlike more practical Aston Martin grand tourers, the Bulldog’s cargo area is confined by its low roofline and sweeping rear design, making it suitable mostly for essentials rather than sizable baggage or long trips.

The Bulldog’s wide stance at 2,031 mm (79.9 inches) and low height of 1,070 mm (42.1 inches) contribute to a very distinctive road and parking presence. While its low height allows it to slip easily under car wash stations and garages with limited height, the width can pose challenges in tight parking situations, requiring careful maneuvering in narrow spaces. Its length, at 4,561 mm (179.5 inches), is fairly standard for supercars but combined with width, it demands extra caution in urban or crowded environments. Thus, the Bulldog excels on open roads but may need mindful handling in everyday parking or city use.