1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
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, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 80 L |
