1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (215 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide weights approximately 660 kg more than 1999 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, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin Rapide will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2012 Aston Martin Rapide | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SLK | Rapide |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2990 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 90 L |
