1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,338 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 94 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5338 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 70 L |
