1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 61 kg more than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante has manual transmission. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | V8 Volante | SL |
Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5340 cc | 5441 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 317 HP | 494 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 434 Nm | 700 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1875 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 62 L |