CeEl

I am going to test drive both SL400 and SL550 on Saturday. Looks like we are getting a bit of a break with the cold weather ... still forecast around freezing.


What I would really like to get out of this comparison test drive: is the SL400 "enough" for me or do I really really really need/want the SL550. I am trying to remain as logical as possible about this ... is the price difference really going to get me that much more car?


What do you recommend I pay attention to? Doubt they'll let me drive for hours and hours. It's Saturday, I am sure they are going to be busy.


Unfortunately, don't think they have one with ABC in stock. Would really like to experience the difference between ABC and "standard".

Ryane8182

I drove both and just loved the 550 so that's what I ended up with.

CeEl

Okay, went to test drive both today.


The SL400 engine works harder, so the car is louder. It also feels more ... not sure how to describe it ... vibrant when accelerating or under load. The car just feels more sporty due to the noise and that "vibrant" feeling.


The SL550 is a very smooth, competent luxury cruiser. I did not hear the engine as much. Not that the SL400 isn't luxurious, but the SL550 just feels more so.


Roof was closed with both cars. Given the speed limit and the area I was driving the cars in, acceleration & speed felt about the same. I guess it doesn't matter whether you are up to 45 mph in 4.5 or 4.7 seconds (or whatever the actual times were)


I did notice much more of a difference between Sport and Comfort on the SL550. The SL550 seemed to "tighten up" much more. Wonder how that effect is with the ABC?


Neither one had ABC.


My verdict therefore is that the SL400 and the SL550 are actually different cars. Not "very" different, but different -- it's not just the price, but they seem to speak to a different type of driver IMHO.


For me personally, I was hoping to get closer to deciding which car I liked more, but I am further away from that decision than ever!!!

pharmscott

V8s are on the way out, sadly. Even with MB, you'll see a pattern of more V6s (look at the E class) including the fact that there even IS a V6 in the SL. One rumor is that the SL550 will go away (as did the E550) and there will be only the V6 and the AMG. I say get the V8 non-AMG while you can.

It's like getting 2 cars really: luxury cruiser and powerful beast (in sport mode).

Wolfman

Not sure where you got this info. The 550 will stay for a very long time and a V8 for sure.
MB decided to pull the V8 from the mid-level cars (like the E) for further differentiation to the S/SL.
Engines are now more powerful. The 5.5l V8 63 engine can be tuned to 1000hp!

Btw, MB had V6 in their SL's for the last 50 years...

pharmscott

No facts, I'm just speculating. I think they'll make a change to differentiate the SL from the AMG GT. Dropping the non-AMG V8 is one possibility. And yes, there have been V6 SLs but not in the US in a while. Regardless, I'm glad you and I got our V8s!

Quadcammer

not in the US it didn't

Wolfman

Well, they did as far as 50+ years back, but not all models. Here are some:

300SL (1957-1963)
230SL/280SL Pagoda (1963-1971)
300SL/SL320 (1991-2002)

Wolfman

The SL500/550 was the mainstay SL for the last decade. Having a great convertible is important to MB and at it's price level, nobody would accept a $100k+ car with a V6. Keep in mind that price-wise the SL's are above the GT in its AMG format. The SL 65 was above SLS pricing for awhile...

pharmscott

A 2015 SL400 (V6) with sport, driver assistance, and premium 1 packages (i.e. modestly optioned) is about $95K. Don't get me wrong, I hope the V8 non-AMG stays. I'm just not sure we'll see 4 SL models plus two more AMG GT models all stay in the lineup in the US.

Wolfman

I am sure we will see just that. SL and GT are not competing with each other.