Davel

Without making this a long email, i decided that i want a car with a V8 (nothing like coming off the line with that torque!) and a sporty car. I've owned 3 mercedes and 4 bmws so i'm familar with Benzes and german cars overall. I've limited the cars i would consider to Corvette (maybe Z06 model), Porsche 911 (i know its not a V8 but always like the 911), and the SL500. I say SL500 because for the benz and porsche i would be looking at 2006 model years. While the vette and 911 are probably closer in comparison, what i would use the car for (trips out of town, ocassional commute to work, and weekend car) they all sort of qualify. Since many of you may have considered the other 2 cars, any input would be appreciated that will help me decide. While i do like spirited driving, i would not take any to a race track....

SDSL

339 lbs of torque sounds good until you realize that the engine is pulling over 4,000 lbs of SL. I will say though that Mercedes is more geared towards the American market in that peak torque is available at only 2700 rpms where it's much higher on the 911 and of course BMWs.

The SL shines as an all-arounder, less so as a "performance" car where it will lag a 911 or vette. You may want to investigate an older SL55 or SL600, but you'll have the downside of higher running costs (insurance, maintenance, fuel economy).

With your model year ranges you're also comparing the last year of one model (2006 SL500) vs. a refreshed Porsche (997 / 2005) vs. the Vette, where they introduce a refreshed one every 8 months it seems. Are you considering the 911 and vette convertibles as well? If not, the performance comparison is less apples to apples.

Davel

You make some good points, the 911 peak TQ is around 4K rpms, where the benz and vette have more natural grunt down low. Dont like the vette or 911 as a convertible, but think the SL looks great top up or down. The 911 does have a nice sunroof, vette (non Z06 has the targa which isnt convenient, the Z06 you get nothing), i've driving the vette standard and z06, and a few porsches but not a 911, and lots of benzes but not a SL500, so i guess some test drives will clear the picture better...Thanks!

Sgooter

FWIW, I've had three 911s over the years. Great, fun cars, but the sunroof opening is rather small, so I don't regard it as a useful feature.

Jim K

Having recently taken factory delivery of a 2009 SL550 and driven for several weeks at high speeds on the Autobahn I can testify this is a fabulous car. With the 7-speed transmission it takes only a slight jab on the accelerator and you'll be flying. It's rock-steady at 110 MPH, quiet, etc., with a surprising amount of luggage space. The re-styling makes it look much more masculine, although style is of course a matter of personal taste. P.S.: at 90-95 MPH fuel economy was 23 mpg, which I think is pretty good considering the weight and power of the car.

CY

Hands down 2006 997 if you want a true sports car...best of both worlds get the SL. Dont get the vette.

m4xm1l10n

CY is right

SL2003driver

Very true. I think of them like this. SL = best looking date at the prom, 911= OK looking girl but WOW is she fun, Vette = fun,but I think everyone knows someone who has had their way with her.

pablo4.2

Very good advice. On that note, if ride is important to you, then the only choice is the SL. If you can spend a bit more, get the 07 with the larger engine. It is a real difference. Good luck.

m4xm1l10n

hahahahaha good one!!!!