So this weekend I found a dealership that had a wide variety of cars I got to test. I tested a Lexus LC500, 2021 GR Supra, 17 SL450, 14 SL550, and 13 Boxster S.

The surprise, to me, was that I wasn't overly impressed with the Boxster S. I have heard that driving a Porsche is unlike anything else and that it is a fantastic driving experience.. I say.. meh. I mean it looks really sexy.. way better than the SL, the interior is alright.. this one even had the heated/cooled leather seats and a lot of upgrades in it.. but I was just not that impressed. The steering and power was not, at least to me, discernably better than the SL. Maybe it needed to be a 911 Turbo. The LC500 was interesting, the interior looks great.... but did not feel as good to sit in as the SL. The handling was also not as good. Maybe if this was a few years from now and I was looking at the convertible version in my price range it might be a different story.. but not for me. The GR Supra is damn fast... but honestly I would prefer to go with its cousin the BMW Z4.. if only it kept the hard top it might actually be a contender.

I am not sure how much my research and puddles of drool underneath my computer desk played into things -- but after testing all of these the Mercedes was the clear winner for me. After driving both the 14 SL550 and the 17 SL450 my choice is the SL450. I think it had more than enough power, it was responsive in the low end, handled well, felt great, and the slight updates to the command system are an improvement over the previous years models.

There is one other contender I have not tested yet and that is the AMG SLC 43 -- seems to be essentially the same engine.. nearly the same car... but the SLC AMG is cheaper than the SL450. I have read somewhere that the SLC is not actually an AMG made car, but by some other 3rd party under the AMG banner. What is everyone's opinion on SLC AMG 43 vs the SL450?

As it stands now it is just a waiting game for me to find the right one. I want an SL450 < 30K miles with either a Iridium Silver or Magno Selenite Gray exterior. Interior color doesn't matter as much to me with the exception that I don't want it to be too white like the Porcelain as it will probably look dirty the quickest. I didn't think I liked a red interior mostly b/c I figured it fades and discolors faster than others -- but looking at some older cars with Red interior they all looked near immaculate so maybe that is not the case.

Thank you to everyone who posted in my other thread. You helped me avoid making a decision too fast and jumping into an older year SL550. I was not even considering an SL450 before everyone kept on telling me I should consider it. You all rock!

 

Personally I've been biting my tongue because I know my opinion is in the distinct minority. But I can't imagine buying an SL with the 6 cylinder. After testing an SL550 and an SL63, I bought the SL63 and haven't looked back.
Lol, I also have a 911 Turbo. Can't imagine being happy with a Boxster.
But it's just me.
Carry on.

 

I was impressed by the 6 and I think that if you want the most comfortable ride, it is the way to go.

 

I was fortunate to find a 2013 SL550 with ABC for my wife.. Liked it far more than the SL450 without it. Something about a V8 and SL that just feels right. Horses for courses I guess. Good luck with your search.

 

Yes. SL550 with ABC vs SL450 without ABC. As much as I love the 450 over the 550, having ABC would win me over any day of the week.

 

Our 2015 has the Bengal red interior and the seats look like new. No fading at all. If you garage your car I don't think fading will be an issue. Silver/red is one of the best color combos IMHO. Good luck with your search. I will likely be upgrading to a newer model in a couple years and searching for either silver or white with red interior.

 

Nice looking SL! The silver looks the best.. I am holding out for one. I would consider the grey or white as well but IMHO there is no comparison b/t the silver and any other color. It shows off all the lines perfectly.

 

Actually, I think the 231’s look great in most any color, except the brown. I’ve seen one or two in brown and to me, they look terrible, but to each their own.

 

You're right...this looks terrible, just awful. Designo Mocha

 

Sorry, should have been more specific. Dolomite Brown is the color I dislike on the SL’s.

 

It's all in the eyes of the beholder and too each his own. I was just having some fun. Happy Thanksgiving!