1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 390 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage weights approximately 287 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | C | V12 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1697 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
