1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 180 kg more than 2011 Aston Martin V8 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, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SL | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
