A Fight in the Pouring Rain
Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster vs Aston Martin DBS Volante
It was a down pour at Bedford Autodrome in the UK. A show down is imminent between the Brit against the German. World War II all over again. Not nation against nation or Winston Chuchill against Adolf Hitler but between two high priced exotics. The British pride of Aston Martin DBS Volante battling it out against the mighty Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster. To the death.
Gladiators, pick up your weapon (errr is that Gentlemen, start your engine?)
Spec Comparison:
Aston Martin DBS Volante:Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
- Price: Poundsterling 191K : Poundsterling 177K (Aston Martin:Mercedes)
- Engine: 5.9 Litre 48-valve V12: 6.2 L V8 DOHC (Aston Martin:Mercedes)
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (optional 6-Speed Automatic):7-speed dual-clutch transmission (Aston Martin:Mercedes)
- Drivetrain: RWD (Rear Wheel Drive):RWD (Rear Wheel Drive)
- Kerb Weight: 1,695 kg (3,740 lb):1,620 kg (3,600 lb) (Aston Martin:Mercedes)
- Horsepower: 510 hp (380 kW; 517 PS) at 6500 rpm:563hp 479 lb-ft of torque
(Aston Martin:Mercedes) - Torque: 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) at 5750 rpm: 479 lb-ft of torque
(Aston Martin:Mercedes)
Aston Martin DBS Volante
The convertible version was introduced in August at the 2009 Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, California. The roof is electronically controlled by a button in the center console and can be fully gone in 14 seconds after the press of the button. The roof can also be opened or closed while moving but vehicle speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). Apart from the roof, changes include a new wheel design available for both the coupe and volante versions and 2+2 seating configuration also available for both versions.
You too can afford an Aston
Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
SLS stands for "Sport Leicht Super" (Sport Light Super) and as the name implies this mighty warrior is light and super powered with the delightfully insane 6.2 L V8 DOHC engine churning a giddy 563 bhp.
So to the Bedford Autodrome we march. All driver assist toys such as ABS, launch control etc will be turned off. All the driver need is a working wiper.
On looks alone the Aston beats the Merc hands down. So beautifully sculpted with seductive suave lines. And how very British. So 007. The Merc is not ugly but it failed to capture the original Gullwings classic face and line. Maybe the head lights should be round?
On paper the might of Merc should trash the Aston but in the circuit in the pouring rain that excessive power makes the car twitchy especially coming out of bends. The Aston on the other hand has such a smooth power delivery it gives you the confidence to push harder. Obviously the chassis played an important role here. 007 will be very pleased. So will M and Ms Moneypenny. Obviously when she is wet 007 win. Wonder if James Bond could score victory when she is dry?
The convertible version was introduced in August at the 2009 Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, California. The roof is electronically controlled by a button in the center console and can be fully gone in 14 seconds after the press of the button. The roof can also be opened or closed while moving but vehicle speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). Apart from the roof, changes include a new wheel design available for both the coupe and volante versions and 2+2 seating configuration also available for both versions.
You too can afford an Aston
Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
SLS stands for "Sport Leicht Super" (Sport Light Super) and as the name implies this mighty warrior is light and super powered with the delightfully insane 6.2 L V8 DOHC engine churning a giddy 563 bhp.
Despite
the wild shape and performance, the SLS is a car you’d want to drive to
work or use to run errands. There aren’t any supercar peccadilloes such
as poor visibility, a nose that scrapes on inclines, an outdated
navigation system or a jerky
gearbox.
The Battle
With
563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, the extra weight goes unnoticed. Like
the coupe’s, the roadster’s gearbox offers a race start (launch control)
setting that raises engine revs and dumps the clutch. Once the
wheelspin settles, expect a coupe-matching 3.5-second 0-to-60 time.
Top speed is limited to 197 mph.
Exclusive
leather, optional electrically folding exterior mirrors, optional Bang
& Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, AMG Performance Media
with high-speed mobile internet access (via Android operating system),
optional Blind Spot Assist, optional AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension,
3-stage ESP with acceleration skid control, optional front AMG ceramic
brake discs, AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels (optional 5-twin-spoke
wheels, weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels), 265/35 R 19 front and
295/30 R 20 rear tyres, tyre pressure monitoring system.
The 2012 SLS AMG Roadster was unveiled in 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show.
So to the Bedford Autodrome we march. All driver assist toys such as ABS, launch control etc will be turned off. All the driver need is a working wiper.
On looks alone the Aston beats the Merc hands down. So beautifully sculpted with seductive suave lines. And how very British. So 007. The Merc is not ugly but it failed to capture the original Gullwings classic face and line. Maybe the head lights should be round?
On paper the might of Merc should trash the Aston but in the circuit in the pouring rain that excessive power makes the car twitchy especially coming out of bends. The Aston on the other hand has such a smooth power delivery it gives you the confidence to push harder. Obviously the chassis played an important role here. 007 will be very pleased. So will M and Ms Moneypenny. Obviously when she is wet 007 win. Wonder if James Bond could score victory when she is dry?
