2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 308 kg more than 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | SL |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4700 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1631 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4382 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1257 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2604 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 12.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
