Aston Martin
V8 Vantage
Mercedes-Benz
CL
Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs Mercedes-Benz CL: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz CL on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
V8 Vantage
Overall
Owner sentiment for the VH platform V8 Vantage (2006-2019) is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep emotional attachment to its timeless design, analog driving experience, and handcrafted feel. The vehicle is consistently praised for its stunning aesthetics, described as "the most beautiful of the VH era" and "the best styling of any modern car ever made" for the 2006-2009 models. Owners report immense satisfaction from the ownership experience, citing the joy of driving, the sense of achievement it represents, and the respect it garners from fellow enthusiasts.
Best version to buy
The V8 Vantage S (V8VS), specifically the 2012+ models with the 4.7L engine and Sportshift II (SS2) automated manual transmission. Owners strongly recommend the 'S' over the base model for its significant upgrades, including more power (430 BHP), reduced weight (approximately 80 kg / 176 lbs lighter), vastly superior braking performance, and generally higher interior specification.
Known issues
- ⚠Sportshift transmission clutch wear: Clutches in the automated manual transmission can wear prematurely if driven poorly; replacement is costly. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Rear tail light seal leaks: A known issue leading to moisture ingress. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Sportshift transmission cooling pipe corrosion: OEM rubber pipes can rot within 4-5 years, requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
CL
Overall
Owner sentiment is highly conditional, centered on the significant and well-documented maintenance costs associated with the complex Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension system. The vehicle is universally praised for its timeless design, luxurious feel, and potent V8/V12 engines, offering an exceptional driving experience when fully functional. However, the consensus is that ownership is a high-risk, high-reward proposition, suitable only for those with substantial maintenance budgets and access to specialized independent mechanics.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a single "best" version. Discussions indicate a trade-off: earlier models (pre-2003) are noted to have first-generation ABC components with known issues, while later facelift models (2003+) may have addressed some of these problems.
Known issues
- ⚠Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension failures: includes leaking struts, failing accumulators (spheres), valve block issues, and pump failures. Very expensive to repair, with full system replacement sometimes required.
- ⚠High general maintenance and repair costs: attributed to the car's complex technology and luxury status. Electronics, plastic engine bay components, and other wear items are costly. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine-specific concerns (varies by model year and engine): for 2007+ models (C216 generation, M273 V8), balance shaft sprocket/chain wear leading to potential engine failure is noted as a major issue.
The verdict
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Mercedes-Benz CL, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Mercedes-Benz CL is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the Mercedes-Benz CL. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
The Mercedes-Benz CL seats more passengers than the Aston Martin V8 Vantage on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is classed as a Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz CL as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is more fuel-efficient on paper: 12.1 L/100km combined versus 14.3 L/100km for the Mercedes-Benz CL, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.