2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 770 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | A |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4700 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2430 mm |
