1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (493 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 143 kg more than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 88 L |
