1989 Aston Martin Virage vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Aston Martin Virage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Aston Martin Virage would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1989 Aston Martin Virage. (344 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1989 Aston Martin Virage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 105 kg more than 1989 Aston Martin Virage. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Aston Martin Virage. (450 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Aston Martin Virage. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1989 Aston Martin Virage has manual transmission. 1989 Aston Martin Virage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Aston Martin Virage | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Virage | SL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5339 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 344 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 255 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1920 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 105 L | 80 L |
