1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2012 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | V8 Vantage | SL |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5340 cc | 2996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 549 HP | 228 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 745 Nm | 300 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 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 | 4610 mm | 4582 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1298 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 80 L |