2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda. (286 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda weights approximately 271 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda. (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SL | Lagonda |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2920 mm |
