1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 33 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (409 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 204 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (540 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Volante | SLK |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5339 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 8 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 409 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 12.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4146 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2430 mm |
