1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Aston Martin Virage
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin Virage 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin Virage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin Virage (490 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin Virage 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 45 kg more than 2011 Aston Martin Virage.
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 Virage (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin Virage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Aston Martin Virage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SL | Virage |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3197 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1283 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 78 L |
