1955 Aston Martin DB2 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Aston Martin DB2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Aston Martin DB2 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1955 Aston Martin DB2. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1955 Aston Martin DB2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 685 kg more than 1955 Aston Martin DB2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Aston Martin DB2. (187 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Aston Martin DB2. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1955 Aston Martin DB2 has manual transmission. 1955 Aston Martin DB2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Aston Martin DB2 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DB2 | SL |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2579 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 80 L |
