1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Aston Martin Vantage
To start off, 2013 Aston Martin Vantage is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Aston Martin Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Aston Martin Vantage (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 320 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Aston Martin Vantage should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 80 kg more than 2013 Aston Martin Vantage.
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, 2013 Aston Martin Vantage (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 Aston Martin Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 Aston Martin Vantage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SL | Vantage |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4385 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2022 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1241 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
