2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Aston Martin DBS
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin DBS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin DBS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin DBS (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin DBS should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 145 kg more than 2011 Aston Martin DBS.
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 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Aston Martin DBS. (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Aston Martin DBS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Aston Martin DBS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SL | DBS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4722 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 78 L |
