2009 Aston Martin DBS vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Aston Martin DBS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 Aston Martin DBS. (503 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Aston Martin DBS. (420 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Aston Martin DBS. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Aston Martin DBS has manual transmission. 2009 Aston Martin DBS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Aston Martin DBS | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DBS | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5933 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 503 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
