1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (370 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 130 kg more than 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (510 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5338 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 80 L |
