1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 172 kg more than 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
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 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 Volante has manual transmission. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 Volante | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Volante | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.9 mm |
| 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 | 1818 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
