2003 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Aston Martin DB9
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A8 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 254 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (216 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin DB9 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2003 Audi A8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Aston Martin DB9. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Audi A8, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 @ 5000 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2012 Aston Martin DB9 | |
| Make | Audi | Aston Martin |
| Model | A8 | DB9 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2974 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4709 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2746 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
