1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (430 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 24 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (489 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | 500 | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
