SL/R230: Any one considered a 996 or 997 before buying the SL?
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: NJ/NY/CT
300E
Any one considered a 996 or 997 before buying the SL?
Just curious,
the 911 series comes in a similiar price range as the SL , but performance wise is alot better
the 911 series comes in a similiar price range as the SL , but performance wise is alot better
Last edited by tyler_durden; Nov 17, 2008 at 09:20 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: South Bay, SF Bay Area
2004 SL55
at 6'4" and size 14 feet, the 997 was a little too snug for me. I've never driven a Porsche, but has anyone noticed that the pedals (manual tranny) are very offset to the right? I could barely get my clodhopper on the gas pedal. Probably has something to do with performance driving nature of the car, but it probably would have gotten me killed...
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 576
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From: Midwest
'08 SL550 Sport, '11 BMW 550ix M sport
Yeah, I thought about it but I love the looks comfort and hardtop of the SL. The 911 style is timeless but that also means that they all look very much alike to the un-initiated. The P car is the better sports car but I prefer to cruise top down in the SL rather than push the performance envelope of the 911.
Just my 2cents...
Just my 2cents...
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Las Vegas
2005 Crossfire SRT-6
911's(especially Turbo) are fun cars...............but I believe the dealer makes you sign a waiver stating that "I am an azzhole and think I'm better than everybody" before you can buy one. Just a little heads up. LOL
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MB Cars, LOL!
the porsche has a stiffer ride which is a nono for my back. also the space and room in cabin was also a nono for me, it felt cramped inside the porsche. also the trunk space was little to none compared with my sl, and the quietness inside my sl was better than anything available yet.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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SL500
Yep
I considered a 911. Now, some would argue you cannot compare a 911 to an SL as the former is a pure sports car whereas the SL is more of a grand tourer. But, like you, I see the comparison both in terms of price, and just awesome cars, albeit for different reasons.
In the end, I went for the SL because I felt it was a much better all around car. Specifics include:
- Retractable hardtop
- Much more comfortable ride/luxury
- An overall 0-60 time and handling that are quite good compared with most cars on the road (the standard 911 was not enough of a difference to sway me)
I'm quite happy with my choice, but would love to drive a Porsche on certain days. I need more money so I can have both
In the end, I went for the SL because I felt it was a much better all around car. Specifics include:
- Retractable hardtop
- Much more comfortable ride/luxury
- An overall 0-60 time and handling that are quite good compared with most cars on the road (the standard 911 was not enough of a difference to sway me)
I'm quite happy with my choice, but would love to drive a Porsche on certain days. I need more money so I can have both
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
Porsche does a great job and both the 996 and 997 versions of the 911 are outstanding. As far as performance numbers go, 996s and 997s weigh about 1,000 lbs less than the equivalent Mercedes SL. Because of that weight advantage, they accelerate more quickly and corner at a higher rate of speed than an SL. If you're looking for a high performance sports car with high luxury content, it's hard to beat a 996 or 997 unless you step up to something like an F430.
The 996 Turbo made the short list when I was thinking about what to buy next but the SL55 was a much better fit for what I wanted in a daily driver/weekend get-a-away car, pretty much for the reasons folks have described above. If you're looking for a high performance grand touring car with high luxury content, it's hard to beat an SL.
The 996 Turbo made the short list when I was thinking about what to buy next but the SL55 was a much better fit for what I wanted in a daily driver/weekend get-a-away car, pretty much for the reasons folks have described above. If you're looking for a high performance grand touring car with high luxury content, it's hard to beat an SL.
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 176
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C4S wonderful but.....
Had a C4S/6 sp. Lovely car and probably the finest everyday driving experience imaginable. It is serious sports car driving nervana.
However, the car is quite low and bending down and sliding in sideways entering the coupe for two years slowly injured my left knee. (When you are over 50, the mind is willing but sometimes the body AIN'T. Lateral loads on the knee ligaments take a beating.) After selling the Porsche, it took 3-4months for my knee to heal.
Additionally, the interior width of the cockpit is considerably narrower than the SL. 997's are very compact inside. The SL provides far more spacious feeling in length and beam as well as providing room to stretch both your legs. Left foot space in a 997 is limited due to the left front wheel well encroachment. The SL definitely is more luxurious and easier to live with.
So there you have it, from a cerified Porscheholic.
However, the car is quite low and bending down and sliding in sideways entering the coupe for two years slowly injured my left knee. (When you are over 50, the mind is willing but sometimes the body AIN'T. Lateral loads on the knee ligaments take a beating.) After selling the Porsche, it took 3-4months for my knee to heal.
Additionally, the interior width of the cockpit is considerably narrower than the SL. 997's are very compact inside. The SL provides far more spacious feeling in length and beam as well as providing room to stretch both your legs. Left foot space in a 997 is limited due to the left front wheel well encroachment. The SL definitely is more luxurious and easier to live with.
So there you have it, from a cerified Porscheholic.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: UK
SL500
Had a 996 and went to the SL500 for my daily car, for comfort and refinement. The 996 was always like trying to hold back a racing stallion - I regularly feared for the loss of my licence!
Have had a few Porsches over the years, and still have a Boxster. Would still consider a 997, but enjoy the top down option and not too keen on the canvas top for my work car.
Oh, and hello everyone - I realise this was my first post after 3 years lurking here
Have had a few Porsches over the years, and still have a Boxster. Would still consider a 997, but enjoy the top down option and not too keen on the canvas top for my work car.
Oh, and hello everyone - I realise this was my first post after 3 years lurking here
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Joined: Feb 2008
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2007 S550 2009 SL550
I agree that the 911 is a sports car while the SL is a GT. Therefore, they are not exactly comparable. However, I am thinking about both when I replace my current car early next year. I like the sports car aspect of the 911 except for the incredible amount of road and tire noise inside of it. Has anyone else noticed this?
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Long Island, NY
'09 SL550; '09 GL550; '11 E550
I had a 996 C4 coupe and a 996 C2 cab before moving to the SL550. I loved the Porsches but they were no where near as practical and comfortable to drive. I hated having to put my clubs in the passenger seat when I travelled to play golf somewhere other than my home course. With the SL the trunk comes in very handy top up or down. There is really limited storage in the 911, but then again the car is not meant for lugging stuff around. The SL gives you the best of both a coupe and a cab. Its more solid feeling than the 911, and I was suprised how well it handled. Its as quick off the line but not in the curves. If you need really raw speed then go for an AMG version of the SL. 385 hp in the 550 is more than enough for me. I also felt its overall build quality was better, and its definitely less expensive to maintain, at least up till now!
Its not a 911, never will be, but its still fun to drive hard when you feel the urge and its way more comfortable on longer trips, or stuck in traffic. Shifting in traffic in a 911 sucks! I would never get a tiptronic 911, although I've read the new PDK auto trany is very nice, but the paddles are not intuitive. If I could have both I certainly would, but with only one, the SL is a better compromise. I have no regrets after making the change.
Good luck.
Its not a 911, never will be, but its still fun to drive hard when you feel the urge and its way more comfortable on longer trips, or stuck in traffic. Shifting in traffic in a 911 sucks! I would never get a tiptronic 911, although I've read the new PDK auto trany is very nice, but the paddles are not intuitive. If I could have both I certainly would, but with only one, the SL is a better compromise. I have no regrets after making the change.
Good luck.
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BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
I had a 996 C4 coupe and a 996 C2 cab before moving to the SL550. I loved the Porsches but they were no where near as practical and comfortable to drive. I hated having to put my clubs in the passenger seat when I travelled to play golf somewhere other than my home course. With the SL the trunk comes in very handy top up or down. There is really limited storage in the 911, but then again the car is not meant for lugging stuff around. The SL gives you the best of both a coupe and a cab. Its more solid feeling than the 911, and I was suprised how well it handled. Its as quick off the line but not in the curves. If you need really raw speed then go for an AMG version of the SL. 385 hp in the 550 is more than enough for me. I also felt its overall build quality was better, and its definitely less expensive to maintain, at least up till now!
Its not a 911, never will be, but its still fun to drive hard when you feel the urge and its way more comfortable on longer trips, or stuck in traffic. Shifting in traffic in a 911 sucks! I would never get a tiptronic 911, although I've read the new PDK auto trany is very nice, but the paddles are not intuitive. If I could have both I certainly would, but with only one, the SL is a better compromise. I have no regrets after making the change.
Good luck.
Its not a 911, never will be, but its still fun to drive hard when you feel the urge and its way more comfortable on longer trips, or stuck in traffic. Shifting in traffic in a 911 sucks! I would never get a tiptronic 911, although I've read the new PDK auto trany is very nice, but the paddles are not intuitive. If I could have both I certainly would, but with only one, the SL is a better compromise. I have no regrets after making the change.
Good luck.
well said
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 345
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2005 SL500
Interesting question, considering I just picked up a 911 C2s Cab to complement my SL500.
My thoughts on the Porsche:
Impressed with the handling and the acceleration. This is a TRUE sports car. My first soft top, and it is well insulated. Smaller on the inside, but plenty of space for me. The full leather option for the 911 is awesome. The SL500 is more relaxed, the 911 is more engaging.
Plus, in my area, I don't notice as many 911's as I do SLs
My thoughts on the Porsche:
Impressed with the handling and the acceleration. This is a TRUE sports car. My first soft top, and it is well insulated. Smaller on the inside, but plenty of space for me. The full leather option for the 911 is awesome. The SL500 is more relaxed, the 911 is more engaging.
Plus, in my area, I don't notice as many 911's as I do SLs
