Compare the2024 Aston Martin DB12VS 2024 BMW 8 Series

The DB12 has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the 8 Series’ blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the DB12 has standard Rear Cross Traffic Assist, helping the driver avoid collisions. BMW charges extra for Cross Traffic Warning on the 8 Series.

Both the DB12 and the 8 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

The DB12 comes with a full 3-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The 8 Series’ 50,000-mile basic warranty expires sooner.

The DB12’s 4.0 turbo V8 produces 336 more horsepower (671 vs. 335) and 221 lbs.-ft. more torque (590 vs. 369) than the 840i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder. The DB12’s 4.0 turbo V8 produces 148 more horsepower (671 vs. 523) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (590 vs. 553) than the M850i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8.

The DB12 has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the 8 Series (20.5 vs. 18 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Aston Martin DB12 higher (5 out of 10) than the 8 Series (3). This means the DB12 produces up to 22.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 8 Series every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the DB12’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 8 Series:

The DB12 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The 8 Series doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction, the DB12 has larger tires than the 8 Series (F:275/35R21 & R:325/30R21 vs. F:245/35R20 & R:275/30R20).

The DB12’s 275/35R21 front and 325/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 8 Series’ standard 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the DB12 has standard 21-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the 8 Series. The 8 Series’ largest wheels are only 20-inches.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the DB12 is 1.5 inches wider in the front and .4 inches wider in the rear than on the 8 Series.

The DB12 is 5.2 inches shorter than the 8 Series, making the DB12 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the DB12 has a standard remote convertible top that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. On a hot day the DB12 has a standard remote opening feature, to lower the top from outside. The 8 Series doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

The DB12 has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The 8 Series doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.