1996 Aston Martin Virage vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Aston Martin Virage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Aston Martin Virage would be higher. At 5,338 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Aston Martin Virage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Aston Martin Virage (344 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Aston Martin Virage should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Aston Martin Virage weights approximately 730 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1996 Aston Martin Virage (450 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Aston Martin Virage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1996 Aston Martin Virage has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Aston Martin Virage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Aston Martin Virage | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Virage | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5338 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 344 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
