1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Aston Martin DB9
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 14 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 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 195 kg more than 2012 Aston Martin DB9.
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, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin DB9 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 | 2012 Aston Martin DB9 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
Model | SL | DB9 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5987 cc | 5900 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 389 HP | 470 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 570 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4709 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1875 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2746 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |