1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 32 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 153 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Volante | SLS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5339 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 563 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1661 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1938 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 85 L |
