UK vs UK — 1959 vs 1949
| SP250 Dart 2.5 V8 | DB1 2-Litre Sports | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft | 110 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,548 cc | 1,970 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.9 sec | 14.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 123 mph | 93 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 2,248 lbs | 2,359 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,337 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 3,988 mm | 4,140 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,654 | 15 |
| Original MSRP | $3,700 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $100,000 | $900,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 10/10 |
On balance, the 1959 Daimler SP250 Dart 2.5 V8 makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports counters with greater rarity, stronger collectibility, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1959 Daimler SP250 Dart 2.5 V8 for outright capability, or the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports for a more distinctive ownership experience.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1959 Daimler SP250 Dart 2.5 V8 versus the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports. Both hail from Post-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1959 Daimler SP250 Dart 2.5 V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 140 hp compared to 90 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Daimler SP250 Dart uses a V8 OHV displacing 2,548 cc, while the Aston Martin DB1 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,970 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1959 Daimler SP250 Dart 2.5 V8 edges ahead at 8.9 seconds versus 14.2 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 15 units built, the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports is considerably scarcer than the Daimler SP250 Dart's 2,654 examples. On the collector market, the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports commands a significant premium over the 1959 Daimler SP250 Dart 2.5 V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.