1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is newer by 30 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. (510 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 295 kg more than 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Aston Martin |
| Model | V8 Vantage | V12 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1697 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 80 L |
