AMG GT R Shows Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Who’s Boss
AMG engineering proves there’s a lot more science behind acceleration than just straight-line horsepower.
There’s an amazing aspect of the automotive world that has been unfolding for years on end. It’s the constant pursuit of on-paper stats. While a worthy endeavor in its own regard, the truth is, those stats almost never cross over to real world environments. In the above video from the series official YouTube page, Top Gear‘s Jack Rix finds this out first-hand when he drag races the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera against the Mercedes Benz AMG GT R.
Unleashing 715 horsepower, the Aston Martin’s engine eclipses the AMG’s by a very significant 138 horsepower. Rix knows this and cautions, “any time you have 715 horsepower being sent just to the rear wheels, traction can be an issue.” Since manufacturers use a prepped surface in ideal conditions to set 0-60 times, the open asphalt on a runway drag strip could change the game entirely. Even the torque on the Aston Martin is significantly higher than the AMG. Over 140 lb/ft of torque is at the advantage of the DBS.
Apart from engine power, both cars have similar figures. Weight is similar for both with the UK brute coming in at 3,732lbs, and the German just a bit lighter at 3,593. Sprints to 60 are rated close as well, with 3.4 seconds needed for the DBS and 3.6 for the AMG GT R.
We’ve shown enough evidence to prove that a good launch makes a significant difference in a drag race. Sometimes it’s not within the first few feet, however. Slow motion video proves that the Aston Martin starts the drag race a fraction of a second before the AMG. Without spinning tires as much, the AMG quickly overtakes the DBS, and even begins pulling away, despite the horsepower, and the on-paper differences.
Surprised, Rix added, “See? Power isn’t everything!” We know that’s the truth, but also have to wonder how well that type of language would go over with the engineers at AMG.
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