2003 Aston Martin DB9 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Aston Martin DB9. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Aston Martin DB9 would be higher. At 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (523 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2003 Aston Martin DB9. (450 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Aston Martin DB9. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 135 kg more than 2003 Aston Martin DB9. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Aston Martin DB9. (557 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Aston Martin DB9.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Aston Martin DB9 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DB9 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 523 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 557 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 4.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2585 mm |
