1958 Aston Martin DB4 vs. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Aston Martin DB4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Aston Martin DB4 would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1958 Aston Martin DB4. (257 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1958 Aston Martin DB4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 642 kg more than 1958 Aston Martin DB4. 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Aston Martin DB4. (360 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Aston Martin DB4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Aston Martin DB4 | 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Aston Martin |
| Model | DB4 | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3670 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 549 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 745 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1992 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 113 L |
