2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (420 HP @ 7300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 275 kg more than 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | S | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1985 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
