UK vs Italy — 1958 vs 1959
| DB5 Vantage | 250 GT SWB Berlinetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 325 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 202 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,995 cc | 2,953 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.1 sec | 6.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 145 mph | 162 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.1 sec | 14.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,312 lbs | 2,315 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,489 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,572 mm | 4,200 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,023 | 176 |
| Original MSRP | $12,950 | $13,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $12,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 9/10 |
The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1958 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage counters with more power, better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Putting the 1958 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage against the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — UK versus Italy. The 1958 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage holds a clear advantage in raw power with 325 hp compared to 280 hp, a 45-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Aston Martin DB5 uses a Inline-6 DOHC (Tadek Marek) displacing 3,995 cc, while the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta relies on a V12 SOHC with 2,953 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta edges ahead at 6.2 seconds versus 7.1 seconds. The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 997 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 176 units built, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is considerably scarcer than the Aston Martin DB5's 1,023 examples. On the collector market, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta commands a significant premium over the 1958 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.