2000 Aston Martin DB7 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Aston Martin DB7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Aston Martin DB7 (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Aston Martin DB7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 172 kg more than 2000 Aston Martin DB7.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Aston Martin DB7. (570 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Aston Martin DB7. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2000 Aston Martin DB7 has manual transmission. 2000 Aston Martin DB7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Aston Martin DB7 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DB7 | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1878 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 80 L |
