Moneypit

Which did you prefer and what were the main differences? What one had over the other. Im thinking the S55 may have a more reliable engine. Also, the 600 "feels" very unstable in anything that resembles a corner. I would expect that from a larger car but a little bit more handling out of a Mercedes.

jasab

This car is way to big to be stable no matter what road set up is.
I big consideration is what you have to do to the ride to get satisfactory handling that you can live with everyday

MBZFAN55

The question isn't an SL vs an "S", but rather S600 vs S55. Truth is, no one buys an S-Class to see how fast he can do hot laps. The car is big, but for car that size, it's surprisingly limber. From a pure "driving" perspective, the S55 is the pick.....quick, tight and a little sportier in the exhasut department. The 600 is not known as unreliable, but it is known as being on the more expensive side to maintain.

vraa

Unstable? I would disagree heavily. How fast were you going and what degree was the turn?

I've taken on ramps down to ninety degree turns in various w220's with modifications going from bone stock to everything and they all felt stable (relative of course, let's say I'm comparing it to a... Honda Odyssey since it's a popular vehicle).

Moneypit

Ok I'll rephrase. I dont think I should feel body roll while changing lanes. The C class has awesome suspension and I like the car a lot. Considering what AMG did with those I was thinking the S55 would have a little better suspension to it too. I would like an E500 or E55 but its too small and, sue me, I like the attention of the S. So my question once again is for people who have owned both cars which one they liked best and why because Im considering trading out for another one. Cost of maintenance is not an issue. If I was concerned with that I wouldnt own any Mercedes.

Moneypit

I find it hard to believe that theres not people here that have owned both at some point.

S-Clusiv

I've had an S600 at one point and its more of a luxurious feel than the 55 but that was a W140 so of course I feel the S55 outperforms it

X-Ricer

the S600 is a helluva lot smoother and more luxurious. The S55 is probably a little peppier and aggressive. So, depending on what you are looking for out of a car.

Moneypit

So nothing really changed except adding more of a sport factor to the 55? Engines basically perform the same except one is smoother? Maybe I should go testdrive one. Its main purpose to me is to be very nice and quiet and smooth on long trips at 100mph.

X-Ricer

I would say the S55 is probably more of a torquier feeling, where the 600 is smooth as silk...if you are looking for a triple digit cruiser to be quite and smooth, i would say go for the 600. Honestly, go test drive and know for sure.

BrabusS55AMG

S55 fo sho'

X-Ricer

honestly, either way you go, you be a winner!

BrabusS55AMG

definitly agree, If I didn't get the 55, I would have got the S600. I like the S55 body kit and AMG logo S600 STOCK wheels don't look bad, I guess you could put the AMG body kit on it if you wanted. All preference- V8 Kompressor or V12. Both are great cars IMO

S-Clusiv

I was suprised when I first drove the maybach, THATS pickup! (for a such a heavy car) very smooth too

JohnMars

I have owned both and I can tell you that the S55 has a stiffer suspension, slightly more engine noise, slightly better brakes.

The S600 has a much better engine, especially with a computer reprogram. I liked the S600 more for me and everyday use. If you want a sports car you need to buy a sports car. I love having a big four door sedan that can embarass Vipers. I took my car to the drag strip and ran a 11.9 with the air conditioning on, traction control and street tires. Not too many cars can do that!

With either car you can't go wrong!

Moneypit

You have the 2003 I have a 2001 so no turbo here. Its still fast enough to go around GT's while they are racing(what isnt)so Im not concerned with power. Plus I have a C240 with good suspension which is a ton of fun to drive hard so Im alright there. I just think it feels to heavy in a turn. Screw it. Buying a different one only means time spent finding another perfect S class and I dont have that much time. Mine is black w/black interior and some pretty cool looking OEM chromed rims. Its the only ones I like so maybe I'll just stick with it.

G Unit

Go for the S55 and the V8 rumble