2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,339 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 76 kg more than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 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 CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | CLS | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 5339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 97 L |
