1956 Aston Martin DB2 vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Aston Martin DB2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Aston Martin DB2 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1956 Aston Martin DB2. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Aston Martin DB2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 457 kg more than 1956 Aston Martin DB2. 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 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Aston Martin DB2. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Aston Martin DB2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Aston Martin DB2 | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB2 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 63 L |
