2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (430 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1142 kg more than 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
Because 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (489 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | A |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4700 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4384 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1867 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2604 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
