1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,339 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 544 kg more than 1998 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, 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SLK | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 97 L |
