SL/R230: SC430 vs SL500
04-13-2002, 10:49 AM
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E class, S class, Toyota Supra twin turbo, Mazda Miata, Toyota Land Cruiser
SC430 vs SL500
The SC430 is a fine car. It is reliable, has a folding hardtop, has 4 seats (the rear seats are just for show though) and it is cheaper than the SL500. No one can call it particularly good looking but it is not exactly ugly either.
But, it is not in the same league as the new SL500. It is not in the same league as the previous SL500 either.
All the reasons one would pick the SC430 over an SL500 are also the reasons one would pick a Toyota Solara convertible over an SL500. Practicality, cheaper and as reliable as a Toyota. There is nothing wrong with these attributes but a Ferrari has none of these attributes either and Ferrari makes some very desirable cars. There is far more to what makes a car desirable than just how cheap it is and how reliable it is.
How the car looks, how it sits on the road, how it handles, how it's engine growls and how the suspension works on those corners and over challenging roads or how the driver feels when sitting inside the ****pit. How it feels to look back at the car one last time before going inside. How it feels when you can't decide how the car could look any better, how every angle is just so beautiful. How people who know nothing about cars love your car and how people who are car lovers love your car. And how the car you are driving has a history that is legend.
All these things and more make a car desirable. The SC430 is a fine vehicle for a reasonable sum of money but it can never have what the legendary SL will give you for years of proud ownership for a few thousand dollars more. Looking at it that way, the SL is a veritable bargain. It is truly one of those few cars that every car lover hopes to own at least once in their lifetime.
The SC430 is a good and reliable appliance. It is not a work of art.
But, it is not in the same league as the new SL500. It is not in the same league as the previous SL500 either.
All the reasons one would pick the SC430 over an SL500 are also the reasons one would pick a Toyota Solara convertible over an SL500. Practicality, cheaper and as reliable as a Toyota. There is nothing wrong with these attributes but a Ferrari has none of these attributes either and Ferrari makes some very desirable cars. There is far more to what makes a car desirable than just how cheap it is and how reliable it is.
How the car looks, how it sits on the road, how it handles, how it's engine growls and how the suspension works on those corners and over challenging roads or how the driver feels when sitting inside the ****pit. How it feels to look back at the car one last time before going inside. How it feels when you can't decide how the car could look any better, how every angle is just so beautiful. How people who know nothing about cars love your car and how people who are car lovers love your car. And how the car you are driving has a history that is legend.
All these things and more make a car desirable. The SC430 is a fine vehicle for a reasonable sum of money but it can never have what the legendary SL will give you for years of proud ownership for a few thousand dollars more. Looking at it that way, the SL is a veritable bargain. It is truly one of those few cars that every car lover hopes to own at least once in their lifetime.
The SC430 is a good and reliable appliance. It is not a work of art.
