1963 Aston Martin DB5 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Aston Martin DB5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Aston Martin DB5 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1963 Aston Martin DB5. (314 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1963 Aston Martin DB5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 520 kg more than 1963 Aston Martin DB5. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Aston Martin DB5. (390 Nm @ 3850 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Aston Martin DB5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Aston Martin DB5 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DB5 | SL |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 314 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3850 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 80 L |
