1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (370 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 65 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (510 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 80 L |
