Aston Martin DB4

vs

Aston Martin DB3S

UK vs UK — 1958 vs 1953

Aston Martin DB4 (1958)
Aston Martin DB3S (1953)
Specifications
DB4 GTDB3S Works Racer
Horsepower302 hp225 hp
Torque250 lb-ft200 lb-ft
Engine Size3,670 cc2,922 cc
0-60 mph6.1 sec5.5 sec
Top Speed153 mph144 mph
¼ Mile14.5 sec13.5 sec
Weight2,800 lbs1,900 lbs
Wheelbase2,489 mm2,235 mm
Length4,394 mm3,912 mm
Units Produced1,20431
Original MSRP$12,250
Value (Excellent)$1,800,000$15,000,000
Collectibility9/1010/10
Rarity8/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1958 Aston Martin DB4 GT brings more power, higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1953 Aston Martin DB3S Works Racer answers with quicker acceleration, lighter weight, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Aston Martin has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1958 Aston Martin DB4 GT with the 1953 Aston Martin DB3S Works Racer highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1958 Aston Martin DB4 GT holds a clear advantage in raw power with 302 hp compared to 225 hp, a 77-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1953 Aston Martin DB3S Works Racer edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.1 seconds. The Aston Martin DB3S carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 900 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 31 units built, the 1953 Aston Martin DB3S Works Racer is considerably scarcer than the Aston Martin DB4's 1,204 examples. On the collector market, the 1953 Aston Martin DB3S Works Racer commands a significant premium over the 1958 Aston Martin DB4 GT, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.