SL/R230: R107 vs. R230
Thread Starter
ON PROBATION
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Monterey
1989 560sl and 1997 s500
R107 vs. R230
For those that have driven both, I was wondering how you would compare the older sl's, especially 500sl and 560sl, to the newer sl's. a comparison with both looks and performance would be awesome. thanks
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Cold Snowy North
-
Looks are subjective. The older ones were more tank/vault-like that is for sure, both in feel of "solidness" (good thing) and handling (bad thing).
That is not to say the new ones are anywhere near BMW in terms of steering feel/feedback, but they sure have come a long way.
That is not to say the new ones are anywhere near BMW in terms of steering feel/feedback, but they sure have come a long way.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Old SL versus new
Well, my 1988 560 SL was a nice car for its era, but the biggest change I sense in driving the cars is a sense of relative nimbleness of the new car. They didn't call the older car a panzerwagen for nothing! I have a 07 550 Sl, and while not a light, tossable car, advanced steering and suspension geometry and electronic anti-roll wizardry give the new car a much more pleasant ride.
Interior space is a big difference, too. I ended up selling the old SL because I couldn't get to a comfortable adjustment of the driver's seat that got my head off the hard top's headliner.
The old engine, fearsome in a relatively narrow rpm band once it wound up, is likewise a relic compared to the new one...the old car was designed in the 60's and despite many improvements feels like it. About the same size, the new engine breathes much easier, is much more linear in power output and also benefits from a 7 speed transmission.
Not to take anything away from the earlier car as they are both leaders for their times, the new car is much more fun to drive. Hope that helps.
Interior space is a big difference, too. I ended up selling the old SL because I couldn't get to a comfortable adjustment of the driver's seat that got my head off the hard top's headliner.
The old engine, fearsome in a relatively narrow rpm band once it wound up, is likewise a relic compared to the new one...the old car was designed in the 60's and despite many improvements feels like it. About the same size, the new engine breathes much easier, is much more linear in power output and also benefits from a 7 speed transmission.
Not to take anything away from the earlier car as they are both leaders for their times, the new car is much more fun to drive. Hope that helps.
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
various
Old SL vs New
I had a 500 SL and and 89 560 SL and now have a 07 600 SL.
I found the 560 to be an outstanding car in every respect, comfortable, stable (except for the some high speed steering) reliable and powerful. It also had a turning circle that allowed me to u turn just about anywhere without backing up and a useful trunk. My earlier positive experiances with the 560 are what led to my eventual purchase of the 600.
The 600 has more bells and whistles, lots more torque, more modern overall, of course, but retaining the character and positive attributes that I liked in the earlier cars.
Summary: I feel that the 560 and current SL's have the same core characteristics but the more recent models have additional conveniance items.
I found the 560 to be an outstanding car in every respect, comfortable, stable (except for the some high speed steering) reliable and powerful. It also had a turning circle that allowed me to u turn just about anywhere without backing up and a useful trunk. My earlier positive experiances with the 560 are what led to my eventual purchase of the 600.
The 600 has more bells and whistles, lots more torque, more modern overall, of course, but retaining the character and positive attributes that I liked in the earlier cars.
Summary: I feel that the 560 and current SL's have the same core characteristics but the more recent models have additional conveniance items.
