1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Aston Martin DB9
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin DB9 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308. 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 DB9 (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308. 2012 Aston Martin DB9 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1978 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Aston Martin DB9 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Aston Martin DB9 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Aston Martin |
| Model | 308 | DB9 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4709 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2746 mm |
