1953 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Aston Martin DB3 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1953 Aston Martin DB3. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1953 Aston Martin DB3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1953 Aston Martin DB3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Aston Martin DB3. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Aston Martin DB3. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1953 Aston Martin DB3 has manual transmission. 1953 Aston Martin DB3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Aston Martin DB3 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DB3 | S |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1490 mm |
