1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1983 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 142 kg more than 1983 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, 1983 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1983 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1983 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | S | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
