tyler_durden

From a price perspective, both these cars are in 75K range,

here is a review from "That's a lot of money, but this is a lot of car. All amenities are present, and this is an automobile that makes 80 mph feel like 50, yet still manages to involve its driver. It feels just like a rear-drive S-Class with no untoward effects on the steering, and the 7-speed automatic shifts with an uncanny smoothness. Buttons on the back of the steering wheel allow for manual shifting, and in Sport mode the car holds gears until redline. Self-leveling Airmatic suspension delivers a comfortable well-damped ride with noticeably different driver-selectable settings, while Active Body Control continues to make excessive body roll in corners a thing of the past."

Both S and Sl have, same engine, 7 sp, airmatic, active body control, although SL is slightly lower car..

is there any reason to chose an SL over an S or vice versa besides the obviously fact one is 2 dr and the other is 4?

teeth

This may be the dumbest question of all time on this board.

E55_GT3wheels

uhmm well 2 very different cars. one is a sports car the other is a huge luxo cruiser. not a valid comparison at all.

armic777

m4xm1l10n

Agree I would understand if it was S vs CL !!! TWO BIG CARS ONE S 4D THE OTHER CL 2D , SL totally different world from the S man !!!

Nevada Jack

I have had both and the only way to compare them is to agree they are both one of MB's best efforts at a sedan and grand tourer. The most and maybe the only common element is the engine and transmission (2007 S and 2008 SL.) Both are superb in my estimation. Other than that it boils down to what you need or want the car to do for you. I traded my 2007 S550 for a 2008 GL550, and then traded to the 2008 SL550. You only get so much time on this earth and I intend to make the most of it....

Rook3300

Not new they are not. They both sticker for about $90,000-$95,000 and with a few options, can easily jump the $100K mark. For about a year old or slightly less, they can be found for about $70K-$80K.


Here's a suggestion, go visit your closest Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask the first salesman you see what the difference is. After he finishes laughing and telling his buddies what you asked, he may walk you over to both of the cars and explain it to you.

Here's a cheat sheet:
SL = the roof goes away, has 2 swinging entry portals, doors I think they're called
S = the roof stays put, has 4 of them door thingies

Rook

-- I just don't get this question at all. It's like asking what the difference is between a Mustang and a Crown Victoria.

m4xm1l10n

no shiit , This question should of be between the S & CL !!!

mlandis

OK, folks, I'd imagine this was a serious question, or else it wouldn't be posted.

Nevada Jack said it -- it depends on what you're looking for. They are both excellent at what they do. The S is an excellent sedan, the SL is an excellent sports car. So if you're looking for a value judgment between the two, it's going to be hard to answer that. It's really a personal preference thing. Are you looking for a sports car? Do you like the idea of occasionally driving with the top down? Get the SL. Are you looking for a sports sedan? Do you want to carry more than a single passenger? Get the S. These aren't really two cars that you can make the decision on based upon the data sheet. Give them both test drives and see what you think.

HSESL500MB

Nevada Jack:
I'm with you on the "short time on this earth" - what other rides are you considering before going horizontal?

Nevada Jack

I will have to take a look at the new E Class convertible (probably a 2011 MY) with the hardtop. The new E coupe should be introduced within a week or two and will give us a close look at the specs and features.

DarrenCT

"tyler durden", huh?? LOL.... here's some real advice... forget the car and work more on your "game"......

lkirchner

Without seeing the new E class this might be premature. I have owned or still do own most of the non MB SUV variants What I have found is as you go up on the scale E, CLK to S to SL to CL there are more than just the obvious visual differences. The materials do get better as you climb the ladder and small finishing touches are also better and more complete. Without listing them all one very obvious one is the attachment of the wiper arms. On the E-CLK the arms are attached with a silver nut that is left uncovered. On the higher "ladder classes" the nut is covered with a cap and is less obvious. This is only one example of the little things. It would be hard for me to take a few rungs back.