1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage weights approximately 132 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. 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, 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | 350 | V12 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4384 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1234 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2601 mm |
