2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 124 kg more than 2012 Aston Martin V8 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 V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SL | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
