1996 Aston Martin DB7 vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Aston Martin DB7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Aston Martin DB7 would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1996 Aston Martin DB7. (331 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1996 Aston Martin DB7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Aston Martin DB7 weights approximately 168 kg more than 2012 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, 1996 Aston Martin DB7 (490 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Aston Martin DB7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has automatic transmission and 1996 Aston Martin DB7 has manual transmission. 1996 Aston Martin DB7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Aston Martin DB7 | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Aston Martin |
| Model | DB7 | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3238 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 331 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1878 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
