1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 246 kg more than 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante has manual transmission. 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Volante | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3090 mm |
