2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (430 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 65 kg more than 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
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 V8 Vantage (489 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SL | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4384 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
