Aston Martin DB12

Aston Martin DB12: Which Version Should You Buy?

The Aston Martin DB12 catalogue contains two 4.0 AT versions in its single generation. Their engine, output, transmission, drivetrain, chassis specifications, top speed, ground clearance, fuel tank and wheel sizes are identical.

The Aston Martin DB12 catalogue contains two 4.0 AT versions in its single generation. Their engine, output, transmission, drivetrain, chassis specifications, top speed, ground clearance, fuel tank and wheel sizes are identical. The decisive recorded differences are acceleration and kerb weight: the 4.0 AT with a 3.6-second 0–100 km/h time weighs 1,788 kg, while the 4.0 AT with a 3.7-second time weighs 1,898 kg. On the available figures, the lighter version is the stronger performance choice. No price data is provided, so it is not possible to determine whether any extra cost is justified.

Aston Martin DB12 generations and versions

There is one Aston Martin DB12 generation in the data. The 1 generation started in May 2023 and has no recorded end date. It is listed as a Cabrio with two versions, both named exactly 4.0 AT.

Because both entries have the same version name and the same 680 hp output, they must be distinguished by kerb weight and acceleration. One 4.0 AT weighs 1,898 kg and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. The other 4.0 AT weighs 1,788 kg and completes the same acceleration run in 3.6 seconds.

There are no additional generations or recorded restylings to compare. Consequently, the buying decision is between two specifications within the same generation rather than between older and newer DB12 generations.

Aston Martin DB12 engine specs

Both 4.0 AT versions use a 3,982 cc Gasoline engine with 8 cylinders in a V-shaped layout. The engine is mounted Front, longitudinal, uses Turbo boost and Direct injection (direct), and has 4 valves per cylinder. Output is 680 hp (500 kW) at 6,000 rpm, while torque is 800 Nm at 6,000 rpm.

The compression ratio is 8.6, and the bore and stroke are 83.0 x 92.0. Both versions use 98 fuel. The catalogue lists no alternative engine option and no V12 version.

Each 4.0 AT produces approximately 170.8 hp per litre and 200.9 Nm per litre. Since their displacement and outputs are the same, neither has an engine-output advantage on the supplied specifications. Engine manufacturer, engine oil, engine-bay details and engine sound are not measured.

Aston Martin DB12 performance and economy

The 1,788 kg 4.0 AT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The 1,898 kg 4.0 AT requires 3.7 seconds. The lighter version is therefore 0.1 second quicker, a difference consistent with its 110 kg lower kerb weight, although the data does not state a cause.

Both 4.0 AT versions have a maximum speed of 325 km/h. Each sends 680 hp and 800 Nm to RWD through an 8-speed Automatic gearbox, so the recorded top-speed, powertrain and drivetrain specifications do not separate them.

City fuel consumption is not measured for either 4.0 AT. Highway fuel consumption is not measured, and combined fuel consumption is also not measured. CO₂ emissions and ecological class are not measured. The supplied data therefore cannot support an mpg comparison or an economy-based recommendation.

For readers searching for an Aston Martin DB12 0–60 time, that figure is not measured. Only 0–100 km/h acceleration is recorded.

Aston Martin DB12 weight, dimensions and chassis specs

Kerb weight provides the clearest distinction. The 1,788 kg 4.0 AT is 110 kg lighter than the 1,898 kg 4.0 AT, a reduction of approximately 5.8% relative to the heavier version.

The lighter 4.0 AT carries approximately 2.63 kg per horsepower, compared with approximately 2.79 kg per horsepower for the heavier 4.0 AT. Expressed another way, the lighter version offers approximately 380.3 hp per tonne, while the heavier version offers approximately 358.3 hp per tonne. That is an advantage of about 22.1 hp per tonne for the 1,788 kg specification.

Gross weight is not measured for either version, and weight distribution is not measured. Overall length, width, height and wheelbase are also not measured, so a full Aston Martin DB12 dimensions comparison cannot be made from the supplied information.

Both versions have 120 mm of ground clearance and a 78-litre fuel tank. Their wheel sizes are identical: 275/35 R21 and 325/30 R21. Each uses Independent, spring suspension at the front and rear, with Ventilated disc front brakes and Disc ventilated rear brakes.

Which Aston Martin DB12 4.0 AT should you buy?

Choose the 1,788 kg 4.0 AT if performance per unit of weight is the priority. It is 110 kg lighter, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h 0.1 second sooner and has the better power-to-weight figure. It achieves this while retaining the same 680 hp, 800 Nm, 3,982 cc displacement, 325 km/h maximum speed, 8-speed Automatic gearbox and RWD layout.

The 1,898 kg 4.0 AT does not offer a numerical advantage in the supplied data. It matches the lighter version for power, torque, top speed, tank capacity, clearance, wheels, suspension and brakes, but its kerb weight is higher and its recorded acceleration is slower. It may have unlisted equipment or another distinguishing feature, but that cannot be treated as fact because no such information is provided.

Price is not measured, and cars for sale are not measured. Therefore, no conclusion can be drawn about what extra money buys, resale value or price-to-performance. If both versions cost the same and the decision is restricted to the recorded specifications, the 1,788 kg 4.0 AT is the clear choice.