1964 Aston Martin DB5 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Aston Martin DB5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Aston Martin DB5 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (314 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Aston Martin DB5 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 350 kg more than 1964 Aston Martin DB5.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Aston Martin DB5. (390 Nm @ 3850 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Aston Martin DB5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Aston Martin DB5 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DB5 | SL |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 314 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3850 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 80 L |
