1954 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 1965 Pontiac Catalina
To start off, 1965 Pontiac Catalina is newer by 11 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 6,891 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Pontiac Catalina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1954 Aston Martin DB3. (180 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Pontiac Catalina should accelerate faster than 1954 Aston Martin DB3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Pontiac Catalina weights approximately 971 kg more than 1954 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, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (625 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Aston Martin DB3. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Pontiac Catalina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Aston Martin DB3. 1965 Pontiac Catalina has automatic transmission and 1954 Aston Martin DB3 has manual transmission. 1954 Aston Martin DB3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Pontiac Catalina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Aston Martin DB3 | 1965 Pontiac Catalina | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Pontiac |
| Model | DB3 | Catalina |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 6891 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 625 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 3080 mm |
