S65 Vrs S600
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: S. FL & MI
Currently Driving a BMW 325 Sport Wagon
S65 Vrs S600
I am looking for feedback on the S65 AMG vrs the S600.
Is anyone able to offer thoughts on the ride quality between the S65 and a S600?
My concern is that the S65 is a firm/bumpy ride vrs a S600 - any thoughts?
I like a luxury ride that is sporty but not overly firm - would love to have some comments on the topic?
Thanks!
Is anyone able to offer thoughts on the ride quality between the S65 and a S600?
My concern is that the S65 is a firm/bumpy ride vrs a S600 - any thoughts?
I like a luxury ride that is sporty but not overly firm - would love to have some comments on the topic?
Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 377
From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
I am looking for feedback on the S65 AMG vrs the S600.
Is anyone able to offer thoughts on the ride quality between the S65 and a S600?
My concern is that the S65 is a firm/bumpy ride vrs a S600 - any thoughts?
I like a luxury ride that is sporty but not overly firm - would love to have some comments on the topic?
Thanks!
Is anyone able to offer thoughts on the ride quality between the S65 and a S600?
My concern is that the S65 is a firm/bumpy ride vrs a S600 - any thoughts?
I like a luxury ride that is sporty but not overly firm - would love to have some comments on the topic?
Thanks!
For me, the stock setup is floaty and boaty and altogether too limo-like. The AMG setup is perfect. But your preferences are what matter so you need to test drive them. I will say that I have spent many days putting 400 or more miles on the S65 and got out feeling relaxed and refreshed. My wife and I took a road trip from California to Washington state and back earlier this month and have zero complaints about the ride.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,855
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
S600TT, R350
The 65 is not overly firm; it's ride is excellent. The main difference is due to tires. Low profile tires will always add stiffness and some road noise, so lots more rubber and air in a (non-Sport) 600 will make a difference.
For me, the stock setup is floaty and boaty and altogether too limo-like. The AMG setup is perfect. But your preferences are what matter so you need to test drive them. I will say that I have spent many days putting 400 or more miles on the S65 and got out feeling relaxed and refreshed. My wife and I took a road trip from California to Washington state and back earlier this month and have zero complaints about the ride.
For me, the stock setup is floaty and boaty and altogether too limo-like. The AMG setup is perfect. But your preferences are what matter so you need to test drive them. I will say that I have spent many days putting 400 or more miles on the S65 and got out feeling relaxed and refreshed. My wife and I took a road trip from California to Washington state and back earlier this month and have zero complaints about the ride.
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,271
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From: CA
2010 CL65
Don't have much S600 vs S65 expce, but had '07 SL65 and '07 CL600 and now have '08 CL63....
600 is a bit more comfortable ride on bumpy urban streets (use my cars in Sport mode, except when wet), but no big diffce...
Would observe steering precision, chassis balance, more powerful brakes/better brake pedal feel of AMG is signif more confidence-inspiring than 600's (even at normal fwy speeds in urban CA)....actually would argue 600's hp/tq is a bit too strong for its limo-like steering/chassis/non-high-perf tires/brakes....
May want to also consider traction of 600 vs 65 (even on winter tires/wheels) if being used in MI in winter or whenever temps fall below 45F when perf summer tires become traction-free....65 tends to be annoyingly sloppy w/traction on summ perf tires, even in CA winter rains (and temp rarely falls below 55F in coastal CA)....600 has notably better wet/dry trac vs SL65 (and presumably S65)...
Finally, if in region w/poor pavement, consider increased risk of 20" perf tires/wheels for flat tires/micro or macro wheel deformations....and perf/safety implics of both subtle and not-so-subtle wheel/tire damage....BTW, replacement 20" wheels and tires are often in short supply even in major mkts like CA....
600 is a bit more comfortable ride on bumpy urban streets (use my cars in Sport mode, except when wet), but no big diffce...
Would observe steering precision, chassis balance, more powerful brakes/better brake pedal feel of AMG is signif more confidence-inspiring than 600's (even at normal fwy speeds in urban CA)....actually would argue 600's hp/tq is a bit too strong for its limo-like steering/chassis/non-high-perf tires/brakes....
May want to also consider traction of 600 vs 65 (even on winter tires/wheels) if being used in MI in winter or whenever temps fall below 45F when perf summer tires become traction-free....65 tends to be annoyingly sloppy w/traction on summ perf tires, even in CA winter rains (and temp rarely falls below 55F in coastal CA)....600 has notably better wet/dry trac vs SL65 (and presumably S65)...
Finally, if in region w/poor pavement, consider increased risk of 20" perf tires/wheels for flat tires/micro or macro wheel deformations....and perf/safety implics of both subtle and not-so-subtle wheel/tire damage....BTW, replacement 20" wheels and tires are often in short supply even in major mkts like CA....
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Joined: May 2007
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2007 S600
I just can't see paying the extra $40K for the S65 when you can tune the S600 with Renntech and almost get the same car. Just my opinion as I've never driven an S65 (probably will never get that luxury). The only thing to me that would be missing in the 600 is the AMG appearance package. I do wish I had that.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 277
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From: Ohio
2008 C300W4 Sport, 2006 Honda CBR600F4i
the S65 is great! very fast and handling is incredible on the car, i think the S600 is a little smoother but it because of the tires (like whoover said), another difference is the s65 is more aggressive, sporty, the s600 is more of a luxury car. Funny saying this but I had an elderly couple look at the S63 and they didnt like it. But when they drove the s600 they loved it! And yes you can spend some extra money to renntech the 600 to a 65, but some people dont want to do anything to their car, they just like having everything done already, and not having the hastle of waiting for the car to be done. I know, I am a very impatient person.
So I would get annoyed not having my car for a day, ESPECIALLY if it was my favorite car. Just my two cents.
So I would get annoyed not having my car for a day, ESPECIALLY if it was my favorite car. Just my two cents.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 377
From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
BTW, Renntech mods don't turn an S600 into an S65. They will get you similar power and torque, but the brakes and suspension don't come along for the ride.
Also, the insanely flat torque curve of the 65 engine (which contributes greatly to the effortless driving experience) cannot be duplicated by taking a 600 engine and messing with boost and mappings, as an ECU retune does. The 65 engine has a larger displacement and turbos, and there's no substitute for cubic inches. A Renntech 65 v. Renntech 600 will prove that in short order.
Also, the 65 engine has quite a few internal difference to deal with the extra output. If you expect to mod a 600, it makes so much more sense to start with the engine that's been designed from the bottom up, and is warranted for, 600 HP. If you're willing to gamble with the warranty, 700 HP is then a snap. If the stock power of a 600 is enough (and it is for most sane people), and you appreciate the ultimate in quiet comfort, get a 600 and leave it alone.
Also, the insanely flat torque curve of the 65 engine (which contributes greatly to the effortless driving experience) cannot be duplicated by taking a 600 engine and messing with boost and mappings, as an ECU retune does. The 65 engine has a larger displacement and turbos, and there's no substitute for cubic inches. A Renntech 65 v. Renntech 600 will prove that in short order.
Also, the 65 engine has quite a few internal difference to deal with the extra output. If you expect to mod a 600, it makes so much more sense to start with the engine that's been designed from the bottom up, and is warranted for, 600 HP. If you're willing to gamble with the warranty, 700 HP is then a snap. If the stock power of a 600 is enough (and it is for most sane people), and you appreciate the ultimate in quiet comfort, get a 600 and leave it alone.
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2007 S600
BTW, Renntech mods don't turn an S600 into an S65. They will get you similar power and torque, but the brakes and suspension don't come along for the ride.
Also, the insanely flat torque curve of the 65 engine (which contributes greatly to the effortless driving experience) cannot be duplicated by taking a 600 engine and messing with boost and mappings, as an ECU retune does. The 65 engine has a larger displacement and turbos, and there's no substitute for cubic inches. A Renntech 65 v. Renntech 600 will prove that in short order.
Also, the 65 engine has quite a few internal difference to deal with the extra output. If you expect to mod a 600, it makes so much more sense to start with the engine that's been designed from the bottom up, and is warranted for, 600 HP. If you're willing to gamble with the warranty, 700 HP is then a snap. If the stock power of a 600 is enough (and it is for most sane people), and you appreciate the ultimate in quiet comfort, get a 600 and leave it alone.
Also, the insanely flat torque curve of the 65 engine (which contributes greatly to the effortless driving experience) cannot be duplicated by taking a 600 engine and messing with boost and mappings, as an ECU retune does. The 65 engine has a larger displacement and turbos, and there's no substitute for cubic inches. A Renntech 65 v. Renntech 600 will prove that in short order.
Also, the 65 engine has quite a few internal difference to deal with the extra output. If you expect to mod a 600, it makes so much more sense to start with the engine that's been designed from the bottom up, and is warranted for, 600 HP. If you're willing to gamble with the warranty, 700 HP is then a snap. If the stock power of a 600 is enough (and it is for most sane people), and you appreciate the ultimate in quiet comfort, get a 600 and leave it alone.
I agree with what you're saying. One of the reasons I did the Renntech thing was because their seemed to be a delay in getting the power to surge in the 600. Now it seems the full power immediately hits me with no delay.
I really wish I could test drive a 65 and experience what all you're talking about. I'm sure it is awesome.
