SL/R230: SL vs. CL
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SL vs. CL
Okay, narrrowing down my choices of what to go for. It's now a war between a CL or SL in which I would trick out either with the works - bodykit, wheels, interior, and would probably go with the 55 or 600.
In terms of the following attributes, which class takes the cake, cost no object:
1) Styling
2) Dominant, masculine road presence
3) Exclusivity
4) Resale value
[The only thing that makes the comparison unfair - no back seats in the SL...unless I get a sedan in addition, but that's a hassle and unnecessary expense].
In terms of the following attributes, which class takes the cake, cost no object:
1) Styling
2) Dominant, masculine road presence
3) Exclusivity
4) Resale value
[The only thing that makes the comparison unfair - no back seats in the SL...unless I get a sedan in addition, but that's a hassle and unnecessary expense].
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From: Boston
2003 CL55
On the first three criteria I would say that it is too close to call and will own one of each. The CL to have 4 passenger capacity and the SL for a bit more driving fun. My guess is that the SL either in the 500 or 55 form will have a stronger resale value than the CL in either a 500 or 55. I have an 02 CL 500 Sport and will change it for an 03 CL 55 in the first part of next year. Will get our SL 500 in first week of Jan. SL 55 would be more desireable, but too hard to get or too long a wait--for now. The SL 55 is perhaps the best value in the realm of exclusive automobiles. Way less than a 996 TT X50 or a 360 and more practical thain either the Porsche or the Ferrari. The Aston Martin does not come close to any of them IMO.
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It Varies
Originally posted by victoryroad
On the first three criteria I would say that it is too close to call and will own one of each. The CL to have 4 passenger capacity and the SL for a bit more driving fun. My guess is that the SL either in the 500 or 55 form will have a stronger resale value than the CL in either a 500 or 55. I have an 02 CL 500 Sport and will change it for an 03 CL 55 in the first part of next year. Will get our SL 500 in first week of Jan. SL 55 would be more desireable, but too hard to get or too long a wait--for now. The SL 55 is perhaps the best value in the realm of exclusive automobiles. Way less than a 996 TT X50 or a 360 and more practical thain either the Porsche or the Ferrari. The Aston Martin does not come close to any of them IMO.
On the first three criteria I would say that it is too close to call and will own one of each. The CL to have 4 passenger capacity and the SL for a bit more driving fun. My guess is that the SL either in the 500 or 55 form will have a stronger resale value than the CL in either a 500 or 55. I have an 02 CL 500 Sport and will change it for an 03 CL 55 in the first part of next year. Will get our SL 500 in first week of Jan. SL 55 would be more desireable, but too hard to get or too long a wait--for now. The SL 55 is perhaps the best value in the realm of exclusive automobiles. Way less than a 996 TT X50 or a 360 and more practical thain either the Porsche or the Ferrari. The Aston Martin does not come close to any of them IMO.
The SL55 is untouchable. Period. You can't go top down on a beautiful day in a CL55. The SL55 would definitely be my choice.
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I agree wholeheatedly with Andrew on this one. In each of the categories you mention the SL55 comes out on top. Unless the two extra seats are a major concern, and for most comsumers at this level they are not, get the SL55. Trust me, the first time you power through a tunnel with the roof down and hear that rumble as it fills the air, you will know you made the correct choice.
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From: Boston
2003 CL55
If cost is no object get both. I'd get the SL 55 first if I could. CL 55's are likely much easier to get, which is why I have gone that route. As to the top-down sound in a tunnel from the SL 55, the CL's windows and sunroof, while obviously not a roadster with its top down, leave the occupants quite open to the elements (and sounds). BTW, if exhuast resonance is what you want, the 360 or 996 TT X50 with RUF or Fabspeed exhaust is hard to beat. I have not heard that the SL 55 exhaust is tuned differently from that of the '03 CL 55, but it may well be, as the new SL 500 is tuned differently from CL 500's.
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From: Living Room!
Many.... but mostly MB!
I had a CL, but.....
Now I have the SL....... let me tell you this, the only diffrence to me is:-
1- The CL carries 4 passengers...... SL only 2!
2- The CL is easier getting in and out of the car, SL is not really because it's lower than the CL.
3- You can close the doors and the trunk of the CL more easier than the SL, I don't know the exact name of it, but it closes automaticly with a soft push.
Other than that........ The SL to me is better looking than the CL. BTW, I'm a petite Female, so I think the SL suits me much better than the large CL
Everyone has his/her own taste, SL is my 1st choice and CL my 2nd
1- The CL carries 4 passengers...... SL only 2!
2- The CL is easier getting in and out of the car, SL is not really because it's lower than the CL.
3- You can close the doors and the trunk of the CL more easier than the SL, I don't know the exact name of it, but it closes automaticly with a soft push.
Other than that........ The SL to me is better looking than the CL. BTW, I'm a petite Female, so I think the SL suits me much better than the large CL
Everyone has his/her own taste, SL is my 1st choice and CL my 2nd
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Well lets see.....
1) The CL has been out for a while and has lost its "wow" factor.
2) The SL is two cars in one.
3) The SL holds a better resale value.
4) The CL looks plain in comparison to the SL.
5) The CL holds more people...but who cares. If you are buying a two door car, the need of carrying more than two people should not be a factor. If it is, get an S class.
6) The SL will turn more heads than the CL. Put the top down if you don't believe me. Oops, the CL can't do that.
Your question pretty much answers itself. The newer design should always win.
1) The CL has been out for a while and has lost its "wow" factor.
2) The SL is two cars in one.
3) The SL holds a better resale value.
4) The CL looks plain in comparison to the SL.
5) The CL holds more people...but who cares. If you are buying a two door car, the need of carrying more than two people should not be a factor. If it is, get an S class.
6) The SL will turn more heads than the CL. Put the top down if you don't believe me. Oops, the CL can't do that.
Your question pretty much answers itself. The newer design should always win.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Well lets see.....
1) The CL has been out for a while and has lost its "wow" factor.
2) The SL is two cars in one.
3) The SL holds a better resale value.
4) The CL looks plain in comparison to the SL.
5) The CL holds more people...but who cares. If you are buying a two door car, the need of carrying more than two people should not be a factor. If it is, get an S class.
6) The SL will turn more heads than the CL. Put the top down if you don't believe me. Oops, the CL can't do that.
Your question pretty much answers itself. The newer design should always win.
1) The CL has been out for a while and has lost its "wow" factor.
2) The SL is two cars in one.
3) The SL holds a better resale value.
4) The CL looks plain in comparison to the SL.
5) The CL holds more people...but who cares. If you are buying a two door car, the need of carrying more than two people should not be a factor. If it is, get an S class.
6) The SL will turn more heads than the CL. Put the top down if you don't believe me. Oops, the CL can't do that.
Your question pretty much answers itself. The newer design should always win.
