1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,339 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (311 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante has manual transmission. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Volante | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5339 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 80 L |
