Tuskir

Hey guys, I'm just wondering if anyone has any personal experience with both the CLK63 AMG convertible and SL55 AMG? Do you think the SL55 deserves such a high price premium over CLK63 convertible, which you can buy for around $70,000 close to brand new:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...QQcmdZViewItem

Here is my take on the comparison, although I only experience with SL55:

SL55
Pros: more torque, better styling, more "prestigious", hardtop
Cons: much more expensive, only seats 2 people, 5-speed transmission

CLK63:
Pros: as fast as SL55, much cheaper, seats 4 people, 7-speed transmission.
Cons: Looks very plain, lower end model of AMG spectrum, soft top

When everything is considered, I'm thinking that CLK63 is actually a viable alternative to SL55. What do you guys think about it? Has anyone driven them back to back? In C&D test, CLK63 cabrio posted some very impressive numbers (12.5 @ 116mph) and the price has gone done considerably, many can be bought in the 60's. Opinions?

////AMG

The SL55 has a supercharged V8, whereas the CLK63 has an naturally aspirated V8. The SL will handle a lot better and has a hard top.

Fantasm

Definitely SL55 in this comparison
Will handle better, is definitely more prestigous, etc

blazinginder

If its the money factor...just buy an 05 SL55 with low miles

Tuskir

Why would SL handle better? It is actually about 300lbs heavier than the CLK. I'm thinking the CLK might actually be faster on track due to lighter weight, 7-speed transmission and more linear power delivery from the high revving V8. Also possibly more sporty? Did anyone here drive both and can offer some insight?

You could, but the 05 SL55 will be out of warranty in a couple of months, while the 07 CLK63 is almost a brand new car and you can buy one now in the 60k range. Seems like a pretty good deal to me, especially considering the fact that CLK63 BS is double that and has the same engine and chassis. Obviously its not a convertible, but its the same car basically. The weight difference between coupe and convertible is actually not that much.

jmf003

There's a lot to like about the CLK63.

The CLK's lighter mass should be considered a Pro. The SL has a wider track, though, so its possible it could handle better in some circumstances in spite of its weight disadvantage. I've not driven a CLK so I have no first-hand impression of the differences.

I personally like the SL's hard top a lot and find the SL's interior to be significantly nicer than the CLK's. But if someone else decided those features weren't worth the money, I wouldn't try to convince him/her otherwise. There's plenty of room for a difference of opinion on that.

The CLK won't carry as much prestige at the country club, if that matters, but serious AMG fans have plenty of respect for the CLK63.

bltserv

Interesting question.

The CLK63 has many advantages. 4 people. 7 Speed. and it is almost as quick on the track.

But the SL55 is in a different place. It has that bury you in the seat
torque and the hardtop convertable makes the SL a secure convertable.
Nothing like hitting the top down button at a light and in 15 seconds.
Its a convertable
It does track wider and setup correctly will out corner the CLS. IMHO.

It really is a matter of money. Get a CPO 05 or later SL55 if you dont need to cart around more than 2. If you want an AMG and need the extra seats the CLK is a great 2nd choice and you save big $$$.

And on the track other than my SL I would vote CLK. Its almost got that exhaust note that the SL55 has too.

A good choice either way you choose. Enjoy

IngenereAMG

I think this is an apple to oranges comparison. The cars are aimed at 2 different buyers.

There isn't a better engine out there than the 55K. As for the handling, I routinely run away from my Ferrari buddies with it.

The 63 is a great package as well, but for me..... unless I was getting a CLK Black, I would stick with the SL55.

Murtaza

The CLK63 looks like a ladies car, seriously. I don't get how it fitting 4 people counts as an advantage. The backseats are tiny and make the car look worse with the top down imo.

I remember hearing bad reviews about the car in general as well.

xpl0sive

so what's the consensus now? I'm stuck between buying a 2007 SL55 and a 2007 CLK63... Pretty much the same price... but the SL55 has 90,000 miles and the CLK63 has 30,000 miles... I've had PPI done on the SL55, everything checked out... the CLK63 is mint, doesn't need anything... Now I can't decide between the two






OR

C3Duece

are you a tall guy? I ask this because my bud owns a sl55k and he's only 5'10. He has the seat all the way back and constantly complains about not enough leg room. Definitly something to consider.

xpl0sive

I'm 5'11, I drove the SL55 the other day and it felt fine

V12TTenthusiast

I'm 6'1 and I drive my SL65 every day and I don't complain about the ride or the seats, as for maintenance I would think SL would be more then the CLK as (roof & ABC)

As for cornering the Hydraulic ABC is amazing on the SL and adjust accordingly during any bumps or turns to keep the car smooth and planted as possible, but in exchange for the amazing suspension when something goes wrong it can be very costly to fix esp if you don't have a warranty

sound 8

No comparison, the SL is in a completely different league, your comparing
beer with champagne .
If you can't afford an SL then buy a CLK. I have had both CLK AMG and
a SL55 AMG. I bought the CLK because I didn't have the money for a SL.



Later I bought the SL55.

rsr911

I'm 6'2" tall. I fit perfectly in my SL55. I also own a CLK55 W208 body. Much smaller and lighter than the W209 CLK63. I have tracked my CLK and it was fantastic. I love both of them.

The key here is 4 seats vs 2. You have to decide which is more important to you.
Do you have kids? Do you go out with another couple a lot? There might be your answer.

xpl0sive

I have a Lexus SUV which I use in a daily basis, so if I need more seats, I can always take that. So having 4 seats in the CLK really does not benefit me at all

breyerlover17

i have a 2007 clk 63 amg and it is fantastic!!!!! i love it in the winter and in the summer! when you put snow tires on it in the winter, it just goes! And in the summer you can out the top down. The engine is great, the gear box is great, the handling is good for an amg(Sort of). The car is great, i like the looks and it is better than the sl's!!!!!!