1974 AC 428 vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1974 AC 428. (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1974 AC 428. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 201 kg more than 1974 AC 428. 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, 1974 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has automatic transmission and 1974 AC 428 has manual transmission. 1974 AC 428 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AC 428 | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | AC | Aston Martin |
| Model | 428 | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7003 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2601 mm |
