1956 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Aston Martin DB3 would be higher. At 2,920 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Aston Martin DB3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 756 kg more than 1956 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Aston Martin DB3. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Aston Martin DB3. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1956 Aston Martin DB3 has manual transmission. 1956 Aston Martin DB3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Aston Martin DB3 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
