1997 Aston Martin DB7 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Aston Martin DB7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Aston Martin DB7 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP) has 67 more horse power than 1997 Aston Martin DB7. (335 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Aston Martin DB7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 110 kg more than 1997 Aston Martin DB7. 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Aston Martin DB7. (488 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Aston Martin DB7. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1997 Aston Martin DB7 has manual transmission. 1997 Aston Martin DB7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Aston Martin DB7 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DB7 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3200 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 402 HP |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2875 mm |
