SL/R230: 2004 CLK AMG vs 2004 SL AMG
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From: Bethesda, MD
2000 SL500
the CLK was better in terms of handling for sure, but the SL is better in every other way.
a lot more in maintenance and issues with the SL...hardtop and ABC being the biggest
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,308
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From: Bethesda, MD
2000 SL500
also clk is I believe 3500-3800 pounds? I had mine corner balanced with a 50/50 weight distribution. The SL is 4200?
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CLK 55 AMG
I am looking at buying the 2004 SL 55 AMG.
The SL with the Supercharger.
The CLK is a heavier car. It handles well for a heavy 16 year old car.
What I am trying to discern is whether the SL is a better car and in what way. I know it has more horsepower and is lighter. It also has more curb appeal. But is there anything else. Does the SL handle better?
Appreciate the feedback.
The SL with the Supercharger.
The CLK is a heavier car. It handles well for a heavy 16 year old car.
What I am trying to discern is whether the SL is a better car and in what way. I know it has more horsepower and is lighter. It also has more curb appeal. But is there anything else. Does the SL handle better?
Appreciate the feedback.
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From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
I drive an R230 because I want the ABC suspension. I credit it with giving the car the handling quality of its R129 predecessor without suffering poor ride quality. Of course there is more maintenance and risk of failure, but few suspension systems available even today can equal ABC.
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First of all, the SL is the heavier car - by over 450lbs! The SL55 weighs in at 4,419lbs compared to the CLK55's 3,960lbs. I had a CLK550 cabriolet and now have an SL550, so exact same engine and transmission. The SL is every bit as fast as the CLK - both do 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. I am guessing the added weight in the SL is offset by a true X-pipe dual exhaust system compared to the CLK's Y-pipe. But in your case, the supercharged SL will greatly outperform the NA CLK55.
The difference in the two cars is great. While I always though the CLK felt planted and solid, the SL is even more so. It literally feels like you are driving a solid brick. Nothing flexes, nothing rattles or jostles. Part of this is the extra chassis stiffening members. This comes at a cost, though, as you have a much taller and deeper door sill to step over. ABC helps, too, as it make s HUGE difference. I can take a tight freeway ramp ant high speed and stay flat, and then run down a rough road without being jostled to death. There is ZERO squat or dive on takeoff and braking.
As for maintenance, yes, ABC will need some. It will be more costly to maintain the SL than the CLK in that respect, but much else is the same, just typical MBZ issues. I'm biased, but I say go for it.
The difference in the two cars is great. While I always though the CLK felt planted and solid, the SL is even more so. It literally feels like you are driving a solid brick. Nothing flexes, nothing rattles or jostles. Part of this is the extra chassis stiffening members. This comes at a cost, though, as you have a much taller and deeper door sill to step over. ABC helps, too, as it make s HUGE difference. I can take a tight freeway ramp ant high speed and stay flat, and then run down a rough road without being jostled to death. There is ZERO squat or dive on takeoff and braking.
As for maintenance, yes, ABC will need some. It will be more costly to maintain the SL than the CLK in that respect, but much else is the same, just typical MBZ issues. I'm biased, but I say go for it.
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Thread Starter
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CLK 55 AMG
You are correct. I was wrong about the weight. The SL is heavier. Nice write up on the comparison of the two cars. My CLK 55 has been low maintenance since I purchased it. I’m the second owner. I’m aware of the ABC issues. Thanks again.
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From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
AH EM GAY
Only 2 #’s make a true G
We owned an 04 W208 CLK. Cabriolet. 2004 was a year MB made the Cabriolet 208 and the W209 Coupe There’s no true AMG W208’s unless you have a 55 not 430, 320 which OP left anonymous
Had it before we got our R230. The two are in a completely different realms.
CLK W208 4 seater, fairly decent trunk 4.3L V8 w 5speed auto conventional suspension, no rack and pinion just old pitman arm/steering box
SL R230. 2 seater slightly larger trunk 5.0 L V8w 7speed hydraulic adjustable suspension
Would I rate one better? No, just uniquely different
Only 2 #’s make a true G
We owned an 04 W208 CLK. Cabriolet. 2004 was a year MB made the Cabriolet 208 and the W209 Coupe There’s no true AMG W208’s unless you have a 55 not 430, 320 which OP left anonymous
Had it before we got our R230. The two are in a completely different realms.
CLK W208 4 seater, fairly decent trunk 4.3L V8 w 5speed auto conventional suspension, no rack and pinion just old pitman arm/steering box
SL R230. 2 seater slightly larger trunk 5.0 L V8w 7speed hydraulic adjustable suspension
Would I rate one better? No, just uniquely different
Thread Starter
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CLK 55 AMG
Haven’t had the chance to drive an SL.
Thought I’d ask the board first for comparison.
It’s a long drive to see it ;-)
The 2004 CLK 55 AMG is a 209. It does the 0-60 in 4.5 and it’s a 5.4 liter. Almost 5.5 liter. 362 Hp.
Regarding ragtops on sports car. Had a 911 and an S2000 which were both ragtops and now this CLK.
Not bad actually. Not as quiet as a coupe or the SL.
Don’t know if the SL develops rattles over the years.
Cheers
Thought I’d ask the board first for comparison.
It’s a long drive to see it ;-)
The 2004 CLK 55 AMG is a 209. It does the 0-60 in 4.5 and it’s a 5.4 liter. Almost 5.5 liter. 362 Hp.
Regarding ragtops on sports car. Had a 911 and an S2000 which were both ragtops and now this CLK.
Not bad actually. Not as quiet as a coupe or the SL.
Don’t know if the SL develops rattles over the years.
Cheers
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
CLK 55 AMG
Haven’t had the chance to drive an SL.
Thought I’d ask the board first for comparison.
It’s a long drive to see it ;-)
The 2004 CLK 55 AMG is a 209. It does the 0-60 in 4.5 and it’s a 5.4 liter. Almost 5.5 liter. 362 Hp.
Regarding ragtops on sports car. I’ve had a 911 and an S2000 which were both ragtops and now this CLK. Not bad actually. Not as quiet as a coupe or the SL.
Don’t know if the SL develops rattles over the years.
Cheers
Thought I’d ask the board first for comparison.
It’s a long drive to see it ;-)
The 2004 CLK 55 AMG is a 209. It does the 0-60 in 4.5 and it’s a 5.4 liter. Almost 5.5 liter. 362 Hp.
Regarding ragtops on sports car. I’ve had a 911 and an S2000 which were both ragtops and now this CLK. Not bad actually. Not as quiet as a coupe or the SL.
Don’t know if the SL develops rattles over the years.
Cheers
MBworld Guru
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NO LONGER ACTIVE
The only rattles I have in my SL are coming from the trim on the trunk lid. I have removed it a few times when installing the backup camera and a few clips are broken. Other than that, it's as I said "like driving a brick", or, a car carved from a single piece of rock.
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 152
Likes: 36
From: Nashville Tn
2011 mercedes sl550, 1995 corvette
Haven’t had the chance to drive an SL.
Thought I’d ask the board first for comparison.
It’s a long drive to see it ;-)
The 2004 CLK 55 AMG is a 209. It does the 0-60 in 4.5 and it’s a 5.4 liter. Almost 5.5 liter. 362 Hp.
Regarding ragtops on sports car. I’ve had a 911 and an S2000 which were both ragtops and now this CLK. Not bad actually. Not as quiet as a coupe or the SL.
Don’t know if the SL develops rattles over the years.
Cheers
Thought I’d ask the board first for comparison.
It’s a long drive to see it ;-)
The 2004 CLK 55 AMG is a 209. It does the 0-60 in 4.5 and it’s a 5.4 liter. Almost 5.5 liter. 362 Hp.
Regarding ragtops on sports car. I’ve had a 911 and an S2000 which were both ragtops and now this CLK. Not bad actually. Not as quiet as a coupe or the SL.
Don’t know if the SL develops rattles over the years.
Cheers
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 57
Likes: 9
sl600
theres no comparison to a clk vs a sl
Clk is a nice car (CLK63 blackseries one of my favs)
but the sl is a great car, and when you get into the high powered versions, it makes these new sportcars with little engines look like jokes
And maintenance isn't that bad, Its what you'll expect with having a 500hp mercedes, 911's, zo6, gt500, hellcat, ferraris, viper, lambo,m5, maclaren all have significant maintenance cost over your everyday car.
Clk is a nice car (CLK63 blackseries one of my favs)
but the sl is a great car, and when you get into the high powered versions, it makes these new sportcars with little engines look like jokes
And maintenance isn't that bad, Its what you'll expect with having a 500hp mercedes, 911's, zo6, gt500, hellcat, ferraris, viper, lambo,m5, maclaren all have significant maintenance cost over your everyday car.
