for the Mercedes SL guys

I just got off an airplane, where I had in interesting conversation with a guy who's in the market for an MB SL600. I advised him that I'd heard the sl55 was a great car as well. He's looking into it. Upon doing a small bit of research, I'm finding that the performance numbers seem very similair. On eBay, at least used prices seem similair as well. I think the V12 twin turbo of the sl600 seems awesome!
SO, why would one choose the sl55 over the sl600? What are the advantages of each? Educate me.
Thanks

 

Maintenance costs and weight would be the simple cons for the 600 with the 55 being a little lighter and truly AMG tuned. The 600 I guess is marketed to be the 'flagship' v12 which is more prestigious and luxurious. Like buying a 550 Maranello vs. a 360 without the styling differences.

 

The Sl 600 is tuned softer for luxery crusing. The Sl 55 has a much firmer ride,and is much more of a performance car. Not at the Ferrari level but still a performance car none the less. Maintinance cost is about the same for the two.Now if you want the ultimate check the Sl 65 AMG. (v-12 with 605HP) now that would be fun. Best regards.

Darrell.

 

The engine in the 600 is heavier than the 55 so added weight in the front adversely affects handling.

 

sl600-smoooooooooooooooooth

sl55-much more raw power delivery and sound.

 

I like the look of the new SLs, but for GOD'S SAKE make a damn manual transmission optional!!!!! I never understood why they don't.

 

I don't think they have offered a manual since the 300. Strange how they never gave it as an option.

Darrell.

 

old people dont like to shift.


i kid, i kid

 

My girlfriend just got an SL 600. I have to admit it's pretty awesome. It accelerates like an fighter jet on take off.

http://fast-autos.net/mercedes/03mercedessl600.html

http://fast-autos.net/mercedes/mercedessl55.html

The HP numbers are equal but the 600 has a lot more torque, 590 vs. 516 ft-lbs. The power and torque also come up a lot earlier on the 600.

The AMG suspension/wheels are available as an option on the 600.

I like the look of the 600 better, fewer grills and doesn't have big lettering on the side taht says "kompressor."

I also prefer a twin turbo V-12 to a supercharged V-8 if given the choice. But that's my opinion.

I don't know how they save almost 500 lbs. between the two cars. I wonder about that figure. Anyone have any Road and Track reports on the two?

Also see:

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/models/features/specs/overview_engine.jsp&modelCode=SL600R&class=06_SL&spec=0&menu=3_0

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/models/features/specs/overview_engine.jsp&modelCode=SL55&class=06_SL&spec=0&menu=3_0

 

thanks for all the input guys.
I'm reading, and learning......
how about "rentech" for the 600? compared to the sl55?

 

600 all the way.

I like the engine sound better.
I like the interior better.
It has superior performance in a straight and only gives up a little in turns (due to active body control)

Extremely comfortable with every option under the sun. You have to love heated, massaging, AND air conditioned seats!

Both have the same brakes (monster 8 pistons).

Renntech 600s put out well over 500 to the wheels with a simple chip.

Buy an 04 and get free scheduled maintenance up to 50k miles!

 

It's the same old V12 vs. V8 question with a different badge.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

ok, this IS getting interesting.
Think about it: Over 500 hp to to the wheels- easy 550 killer.
Open top motoring,
supreme luxury when you want it, also brutal power when you want it.
FREE scheduled Mx to 50k
WARRENTEE!
Holy crap, this thing rocks.
I read 0-60 for the Renn Tech under 4 seconds. Oooooh.
BTW- Used prices indicate 20k less than a 5 year older 550!

 

I have to say I have an SL65 and am loving it. Between the SL55 and the 600 I would probably go with the 600 but only if it had the AMG sport package. Then it looks just like the 55. The 55 sounds way better than the 600 and the 65 because the turbos muffle out the sound. The interior is a better quality in the 600 but the 55 is a bit sportier looking. The 55 has the "shift buttons" paddles to the Ferrari guys for manual mode shifting and I don't think the 600 got this until 05. Other than this, the 600 can be modded much easier and more HP than the 55. With a simple renntech ecu/tcu mod the 600 can run high 11's no prob. Both cars can add the same factory options and the 55 seems to hold value a bit more. Neither car will be a great track car obviously because of the weight but probably one of the best covertible tourers for the buck and one of the only hardtop converts around.

 

I have a quetion for you. Why the 65 instead of the 600? I know there is more hp, but it is electronically governed. It just seems to me that you are paying a lot more money just for the SL65 written on the back of the car (no offense). oh yeah, can you post pics ?

 

SL65=605hp,738lb/tq what else needs to be said?

 

All you have to do is drive them and you'll quickly have your answer!

 

see omar!!! he also thinks I should drive it!!

would you care to create a situation where I would be able to get behind the wheel of an SL65

 

It's the only way to be sure!

 

wait I'm scared now. darth being nice to me.... should i not open any packages coming to my house?

 

I'm nice to everybody. I just have a funny way of showing it!

 

No shift buttons on the '06 600, unless I am missing something.

 

so if i end up with a broken leg, or half of my body blown up because of you it means that you really really like me?

 

Yeah, that's it!!