599 vs SLR

If you can get an SLR for a similar price to a 599 you are being grossly overcharged for the SLR.

Seriously, I turned down an SLR because it simply was underwhelming, to say the least. The convertible version of the SLR will be far more compelling because it will have a totally different feeling and will be just as good performance wise, and there will be far fewer of them than there are SLR's
The 599 on the other hand is simply a great GT, by far the best of the pure GT's out there. It does everything right from it's performance to its construction to its ability to operate as a daily driver and it has the cachet of being a Ferrari. The press reporting on it has been almost overwhelmingly positive and in real daily usage it has delivered everything I could have expected of it.
The market itself has spoken quite clearly. 599's are fetching hugely elevated prices over MSRP and are simply unavailable for regular retail purchase, whereas the SLR's are languishing in dealerships, being offered at significant discounts to move them off the floor.

You should buy the SLR if you really love that kind of car - heavy, over the top styling, automatic gearbox and massive performance, that is limited somewhat by MB's inability to allow the car to be driven without any nanny devices. The SLR is a great car by any measure, but next to the 599 it falls short in some of the things that appeal to me in a big GT, like confidence in the car's abilty to handle track and road conditions and go around corners real fast. And be Italian!

 

Two things about your post...

An SLR for $300-360k right now I believe you'd be getting robbed. And you need to search Fchat about importing a 599....

 

He lives in Hong Kong and SLR's are being offered new at several dealers at around $360K

 

300 to 360k getting robbed?

 

i really like them both, but i would probably get an slr

 

I thought brand new slr's were going for 315k or so 8 months ago.

 

Hence the question mark, I haven't looked up SLR's anytime lately.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/05-McLAREN-SLR-AUTOMATIC-SILVER-RED-1-255-MLS-BEAUTY_W0QQitemZ200110194741QQihZ010QQcategoryZ124126QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

At the right price I would take the SLR every time. I own an 04 575M and it is a joke compared to my 05 Turbo S (resale value not withstanding) For driving I think German engineering still wins. For posing the Italians have it. Ducking for the flame out.

 

Not even close IMHO. I would not buy a performance car with an automatic gearbox and all the electronic overlords that the SLR has. Maybe the 722 would make it more compelling but even then I would take the 599. Personally I think the SLR is more suited for posing or boulevard cruising than the 599. I dont have a lot of fascination or desire for the SLR or even the regular Mercedes AMG's that have a lot of HP and are really fast (but only in a straight line) but weigh a lot. I'd rather take a CGT, 599, - with the 599 being the heavier but also a GT. It also happens to be really quick and it handles really well. Its a phenomenal car.

 

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/...iorano/225668/

Read the conclusion - it states that the 599 renders the SLR redundant. Obviously one persons opinion. It would be nice if 599's were available in the US at MSRP

Good luck with your shopping.

 

what "KIND" of driving...no way an SLR is as all around as competent as 599. no way.

 

The 575 is as far removed from the 599 as a 348 is to the 430. Same concept both times, way different execution. I would surmise that if you had the opportunity to test drive the two cars on the same route, containing fast touring sections and some more challenging corners and bends, you could only conclude that the 599 is really the superior driving machine. But absent the direct comparison I understand that you can't reallly make an informed choice, so you default to your built in prejudice against Italian machinery, I guess because you are measuring two very different products (575 and P Turbo) and trying to draw parallels where none exist.
German engineering is a tad overrated and is only better by reputation anymore. The reality, especially regarding the 599 is that it is as well engineered as the best out there - probably the best exotic being built today.
The other point regarding the SLR is that it is essentiallly a British car with an engine supplied by AMG but conceived, designed and assembled in England. I have no issue with McLaren's expertise, but I bet you wouldn't throw out the term "British Engineering" as a superlative.

 

IMO the SLR makes a better touring car, the Ferrari a better track car. Don't feel like justifying my thoughts, I'm lazy... But that's my opinion.

 

that the SLR was such a great GT/touring machine, McMerc decided to 'improve' it with the 722 edition...with a lumpy, harder ride? makes a lot of sense there...seems like they are trying to play catch up with other marques, and in the process compromise the car even more? hmm...

 

YIMN, I believe the SLR will be a easier car to drive around HK's roads and traffic. The 599 is no doubt the better handling car, and on the track is much more rewarding. All depends on whether u like a comfortable cruiser with minimun driving effort or u want to be more involved in the driving experience ie..feeling the road etc which can get tiring in city traffic. The merc would be much more comfortable. Drove one in dubai, and it felt as good as my Merc SL. By the way, the SLRs available in Hk, they are left hand drive, right? Hk is RHD, isnt it?

 

For me,

it's simply impossible to confront the SLR and the 599GTB.
The 599 is way better than the SLR...IMHO,even a 550 or a 575 is better than SLR.

 

why would SLR be easier to drive in HK? 599 can also be comfortable and relaxing when you desire...'minimal driving effort' if you will. what makes you say it can't be driven as such? you make it sound like the car rides hard, with lots of road noise, to become tiring in city traffic...hmm...

 

I would love to know, where these strong opinions expressed by guys who have never driven either of these cars,are coming from or are based on?
It just sounds funny when they argue their "theories" with actual owners with real hands on experience.

 

lol- how many of u have actually driven both cars?? i have- and i bought the slr. forget about the styling- thats just opinion- but the slr feels much more special once u r inside. gullwing doors, great seats, side exhaust........its a great car. the 599 does not feel special when u get in BUT the interior is beautiful and i think its better quality that the slr.

on the road the slr feel faster at just about any speeds but the 599 is more engaging and overall more fun to drive. the 599 does NOT feel like a better handling car and still feels very heavy. the slr brakes feel far superior although i dont know if they actually are.

as far as US prices go there are no 07 slr's being sold below 400k. NONE. new 06's are selling between 330 and 360. it is alot of car for the money at 330 and far overpriced at 400k.

the 599 has huge mark up due to supply and demand. if u built the same amount of 599's as slr they would drop like a rock too. there simply are not that many buyers paying 400k for a car.

i have had 3 ferrari's and im picking up a 430 spider next week. i love the ferrari soul and passion. NOBODY does that NOBODY. its ferrari magic.

BUT to say the 599 is far superior to the slr is just not true. both have positves and negatives and the real truth is you cant go wrong with either. it really just depends on what you like.

 

I concur with John, although I enjoy reading 410SA's posts. Good wordsmithing and strong arguments, for sure.

I cross-shopped the 599, the LP640, the CGT, and the SLR. In the end I bought the SLR because it felt a little more special.

At this price point, I wasn't too concerned with the difference in cost. I just wanted something that would keep my attention for a year or more. As John said, the interior in the SLR isn't perfect, and the styling is definitely controversial, but it's a very nice piece of machinery that can be used on the track and on the boulevard with equal ease.

 

I'll never understand the people who choose the SLR over the 599.. and yes, I am biased.

 

Paris Hilton drives an SLR. She doesn't have a 599. For that reason alone, I'd go with the 599.