1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 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 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. (503 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 218 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (830 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 2210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3165 mm |
