1971 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Aston Martin DB9
To start off, 2013 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Aston Martin DB9 (470 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Aston Martin DB9 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2013 Aston Martin DB9 (601 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 Aston Martin DB9 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SL | DB9 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 601 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2745 mm |
