SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: SLK?

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Old Dec 27, 2014 | 10:33 AM
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SLK?

I was wondering if anybody was considering a SLK when shopping for their SL? The gap in terms of pricing between a SLK AMG and a SL400 seems to be very close, and the SLK may be more fun? Why did you end up with the SL?

I just saw a SL and a SLK side by side displayed at a dealership, and although I was considering the SLK AMG, I just don't 'feel' it. Can't put my finger on it as to why that is.
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Old Dec 27, 2014 | 02:26 PM
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Originally Posted by CeEl
I was wondering if anybody was considering a SLK when shopping for their SL? The gap in terms of pricing between a SLK AMG and a SL400 seems to be very close, and the SLK may be more fun? Why did you end up with the SL? I just saw a SL and a SLK side by side displayed at a dealership, and although I was considering the SLK AMG, I just don't 'feel' it. Can't put my finger on it as to why that is.
Don't like the look of the SLK. It's a tiny car with a huge front end. It just looks unproportional to me.
Plus the SL is a much more useful car in terms of space and a really a different class car. Just like comparing to C to the S-class
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Old Dec 27, 2014 | 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
Don't like the look of the SLK. It's a tiny car with a huge front end. It just looks unproportional to me.
Plus the SL is a much more useful car in terms of space and a really a different class car. Just like comparing to C to the S-class
+1
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Old Dec 27, 2014 | 08:45 PM
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Originally Posted by CeEl
I was wondering if anybody was considering a SLK when shopping for their SL? The gap in terms of pricing between a SLK AMG and a SL400 seems to be very close, and the SLK may be more fun? Why did you end up with the SL?

I just saw a SL and a SLK side by side displayed at a dealership, and although I was considering the SLK AMG, I just don't 'feel' it. Can't put my finger on it as to why that is.


SLK is a great little car. However, it is little. Interior is not anywhere near the quality of the SL and the ride and comfort is not either. The SLK vs the SL is a $40,000 car for a more entry level drivers to a $100,000+ luxury cruiser. Very different.
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Old Dec 27, 2014 | 09:00 PM
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I don't fit in an SLK.
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Old Dec 28, 2014 | 08:48 PM
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Thanks all!
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 04:06 AM
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I owned a SLK 350 (R172) for 4 years loved it. The SL is superior in everyway (unless you really want a small roadster).

There will be those that say "it has to be a V8" but I disagree. I read dozens of reviews and test drives and every person that drove both (V8 &V6) preferred the drive-ability of the V6. The 450/400 is ~200lbs lighter than the 550/500 and all that difference is on the front wheels making the V6 better balanced / handling.

The engine in the "AMG" SLC43 is the same as the non "AMG" V6 SL (2017-)

I've owned a few V8s so didn't need to scratch that itch and opted for the 400.

Most people (who whave owned one with ABC) will say that if you can get one with ABC, get it. ABC is not only about ride comfort, it also assists conering, you can raise/lower the car (parking nose in to kerbs, steep driveway etc) keeps the car level on acceleration and braking etc etc.....Don't believe any of the horror stories about ABC. I read many MB forums and have yet to find one with complaints about ABC (unlike the earlier R230).

Last edited by rorywquin; Jan 29, 2021 at 04:12 AM.
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 04:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
Don't like the look of the SLK. It's a tiny car with a huge front end. It just looks unproportional to me.
Plus the SL is a much more useful car in terms of space and a really a different class car. Just like comparing to C to the S-class
I prefer the look of the SLK. I find the boot/trunk on the SL is too long. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder. My son mentioned that he wants to get a Panamera (currently drives a 2019 E53 AMG coupé). I think it is the ugliest Porsche ever made but he also owned a BMW X6 which I think is ugly.
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Old Jan 30, 2021 | 02:56 AM
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I agree on the looks of the early Panameras...that back end was too reminiscent of a canine deficating. The recent refresh mitigated that effect, though. Now it looks more like a 911 in the rear...
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Old Jan 30, 2021 | 12:05 PM
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Originally Posted by CeEl
Thanks all!
And I assume you've read comments on the related blog at

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ve-slk-sl.html

Totally different vehicles...
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Old Jan 31, 2021 | 01:50 AM
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Wonder why you resurrected a 6 year old thread...
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Old Jan 31, 2021 | 01:01 PM
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I have had both an SLK350 and I now have an SL.
Like the SL better in almost every way.
The SLK had the V6 engine but the new ones are turbo4"s
I also has a C300 with the turbo4 and after that would not even consider the SLK.
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Old Feb 1, 2021 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Piperkid
I have had both an SLK350 and I now have an SL.
Like the SL better in almost every way.
The SLK had the V6 engine but the new ones are turbo4"s
I also has a C300 with the turbo4 and after that would not even consider the SLK.
I love the SL over the SLK. SLK is a great little car and is a riot to drive! Especially with a manual or AMG Model. The car driver very well. It is more of a weekend fun car. The SL you could drive everyday and everywhere as it is so comfortable and smooth. Throw a tune on any of them you are near exotic car performance. The SL you cross a continent with. SL with ABC rides better than most sedans. The SLK you cross town with.
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Old Feb 2, 2021 | 01:14 AM
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Personal taste really. Some guys like heavier models because they have a good kick others like lithe models because they are agile dancers.

I prefer lithe agility and perfect weight distribution.

That's why all guys should have at least 2-4 models in the garage, one for each mood
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