1954 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Aston Martin DB3 would be higher. At 2,920 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Aston Martin DB3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Aston Martin DB3 (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Aston Martin DB3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 515 kg more than 1954 Aston Martin DB3.
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, 1954 Aston Martin DB3 (243 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1954 Aston Martin DB3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Aston Martin DB3 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DB3 | SE |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 243 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 65 L |
