UK vs Germany — 2001 vs 1996
| Vanquish S V12 | SL 73 AMG R129 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 520 hp | 525 hp |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,935 cc | 7,291 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.6 sec | 4.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 200 mph | 186 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 12.8 sec | 12.8 sec |
| Weight | 4,046 lbs | 4,387 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,515 mm |
| Length | 4,665 mm | 4,500 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,582 | 85 |
| Original MSRP | $255,000 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $250,000 | $650,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2001 Aston Martin Vanquish S V12 brings higher top speed, lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG R129 answers with quicker acceleration, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between UK and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 2001 Aston Martin Vanquish S V12 versus 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG R129 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 2001 Aston Martin Vanquish S V12 producing 520 hp and the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG R129 delivering 525 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Aston Martin Vanquish uses a V12 DOHC displacing 5,935 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG relies on a V12 SOHC 24V with 7,291 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG R129 edges ahead at 4.4 seconds versus 4.6 seconds. The Aston Martin Vanquish carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 341 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 85 units built, the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG R129 is considerably scarcer than the Aston Martin Vanquish's 2,582 examples. On the collector market, the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG R129 commands a significant premium over the 2001 Aston Martin Vanquish S V12, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG R129 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.