1959 Aston Martin DB2 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Aston Martin DB2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Aston Martin DB2 would be higher. At 2,920 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Aston Martin DB2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1959 Aston Martin DB2. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1959 Aston Martin DB2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 218 kg more than 1959 Aston Martin DB2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Aston Martin DB2 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Aston Martin DB2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Aston Martin DB2. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Aston Martin DB2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Aston Martin DB2 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | DB2 | GTI |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 55 L |
