2003 Aston Martin DB7 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Aston Martin DB7 is newer by 5 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 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Aston Martin DB7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Aston Martin DB7 (435 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Aston Martin DB7 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 70 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Aston Martin DB7 (540 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Aston Martin DB7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Aston Martin DB7 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DB7 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 2798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
