2011 Aston Martin Rapide vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Aston Martin Rapide. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Aston Martin Rapide would be higher. At 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin Rapide is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2011 Aston Martin Rapide. (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 Aston Martin Rapide. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 280 kg more than 2011 Aston Martin Rapide. 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 S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Aston Martin Rapide. (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Aston Martin Rapide.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Aston Martin Rapide | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Rapide | S |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5900 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 470 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5019 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2141 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1359 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
