1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 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 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (493 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 188 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 5506 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 | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 88 L |
