2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (94 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 379 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (435 Nm) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (271 Nm). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SLK | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2297 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 97 L |
