1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (264 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1 kg more than 1981 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante has manual transmission. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Volante | CLS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 80 L |
