2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 168 kg more than 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage.
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, 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (569 Nm) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm). This means 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SL | V12 Vantage |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1848 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4384 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1234 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
