2004 Aston Martin V12 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Aston Martin V12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Aston Martin V12 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2004 Aston Martin V12. (460 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 2004 Aston Martin V12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Aston Martin V12 weights approximately 174 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS.
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 SLS (649 Nm) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Aston Martin V12. (542 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Aston Martin V12. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS has automatic transmission and 2004 Aston Martin V12 has manual transmission. 2004 Aston Martin V12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Aston Martin V12 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V12 | SLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5934 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 460 HP | 563 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1661 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1938 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 85 L |
