1997 BMW 850 vs. 2012 Aston Martin DB9
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2012 Aston Martin DB9.
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 Aston Martin DB9 (600 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 850. (490 Nm). This means 2012 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 850. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2012 Aston Martin DB9 has manual transmission. 2012 Aston Martin DB9 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2012 Aston Martin DB9 | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | 850 | DB9 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4709 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2746 mm |
