2011 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. Both 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL and 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage are equipped with a 6,000 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. (510 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 386 kg more than 2012 Aston Martin V12 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage has manual transmission. 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
| Model | SL | V12 Vantage |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6000 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 999 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2066 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4592 mm | 4384 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1816 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1298 mm | 1234 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 13.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
