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2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Comparing Cars
I sold my 2022 911 Carrera S Cabriolet with the notion I would be done with my toy car phase, only to be seduced by an 2022 SL55 AMG a few days later, which I subsequently purchased. My timing was awful for a couple of reasons: having sold my Porsche, I didn't get a trade in tax credit (there's 10K down the toilet) and it was two weeks prior to the cash incentive offered up by MB (another 10K) and more favorable financing incentives (don't even want to calculate it.) I've owned 8 different 911s and 4 Porsche SUVs, but this is the first MB I've bought in 30 years and the very first SL. Finding this forum led to reading a LOT of malcontent and that naturally made me question my own decision. I decided to compare the two cars to decide if I had made a big mistake. My admittedly non-scientific method involved assessing 20 parameters, assigning a weight to each of them, assigning a numerical value to that parameter for each car, multiplying it by the weighting, and adding them up. I did this for fun, so I thought I'd post it because I figured it would be more interesting to read about the car itself than business practices. Plus, I like staring arguments . Two main caveats: one, the weightings reflect MY sensibilities, and mine alone, and two, the numerical values are also purely subjective. Needless to say, opinions are like a**holes, and here are mine.
Exterior styling (weighting 1.2) Porsche 7, SL 8.5. Not much to comment on here. I just think the SL is a much better looking car
Interior design (1.25) Porsche 7, SL 8 No criticism of either here, I believe the Porsche is a bit too austere
Interior comfort (1.25) Porsche 7, SL 8.75 Again, just subjective, but the seats in the Mercedes are more comfortable to me
Interior materials (1.2) Porsche 7, SL 8 My 911 was full leather. I still think the Mercedes leather is nicer
Soft top (0.8) Porsche 9 SL 8 They both work fine. The magnesium panels in the Porsche provide more structure. Operationally they both are about the same
Trunk (0.8) Porsche 6 SL 5 The deep frunk on the Porsche is in my opinion more practical than the SL
Engine (1.25) Porsche 8 SL 9 Both turbo charged, but I think the V8 has more character than Porsche's flat 6
Fuel economy (0.75) Porsche 7.5, SL 6 Not much to say here. Better fuel economy in the Porsche
Steering (1) Porsche 9, SL 7.5 Nothing wrong with the SL steering, but Porsche's is just flat out more direct
Transmission (1.2) Porsche 9.5, SL 7 I just believe Porsche's PDK is the standard by which all others should be measured
Handling (1.2) Porsche 9, SL 7.5 Mercedes does a pretty good job of hiding the weight of the SL but you can't outrun the laws of physics. Advantage Porsche (who have avoided the laws of physics with that rear engine.)
Braking (1) Porsche 9, SL 8 I never drove either car at 10/10 so my assessment is mostly pedal feel.
Ride quality (1.2) Porsche 7 SL 7 Ferraris do a better job of balancing handling and ride quality than either the 911 or the SL
Tech (1.2) Porsche 7.5 SL 9.5 While arguably adding nothing, or even detracting, from the driving experience, I am a sucker for this stuff
Engine sound (0.8) Porsche 7 SL 8.5 The Porsche sounds much better than you'd think a twin turbo flat 6 should, but it's still not as impressive as the AMG V8
Stereo (0.9) Porsche 7.5 SL 9 My 911 had the Burmester option, but it didn't sound nearly as good as the "base" Burmester in the SL
Ingress/Egress (1.1) Porsche 5, SL 7 I have a remitting/relapsing inflammatory condition and getting out of the 911 (specced with the Sport package, so lower than standard) was painful and often required some motor planning. The SL is MUCH better.
Brand Factor (0.75) Porsche 8.5 SL 7 Mercedes historically has an excellent reputation, but it's not that of Porsche which almost seems mythical
Historical Value Retention (0.8) Porsche 9 SL 6.5 Recent model 911s have unbelievable value retention. I've never owned an AMG anything but I'm prepared to get slaughtered on resale
Build Quality (1.2) Porsche 8, SL 8.5 I've owned enough 911s bought new to have stopped drinking the Kool Aid. Out of the box, the SL seems better but who knows what rattles, creaks, and engine problems await. Probably unfair to compare the two given my differential experience
TOTAL SCORES: Mercedes 162.838, Porsche 159.95
I did this as a fun exercise for myself while I was bored waiting to go out the other night. I'd love to hear others' opinions, and feel free to abuse me. I won't take it personally.
Thanks for the fun little comparison between cars. Looks like the new SL has been able to capture a good amount of 911 and AMG GT buyers based on the threads here on the forum. I find this new SL appeals to me more than ever before, definitely gonna take a look at one as my next car.
Be sure to post pics of your new beast! (Can even throw your beautiful 911 in there too)
Thanks so much for the great analysis. I makes me feel better about my decision to order a SL55 rather than a 911S Cab.
I test drove both cars, one after the other, and came up with the following analysis and conclusion:
911 seems to be a better sports car but the SL55 a better daily driver for me.
My other car is a 2022 Tesla model S and I love car tech and even the SL "iPad screen"
I drove the touring edition of the SL55 (red calipers) and found the ride quality much better than the 911S but others have found otherwise.
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Originally Posted by xtdoc777
Thanks so much for the great analysis. I makes me feel better about my decision to order a SL55 rather than a 911S Cab.
I test drove both cars, one after the other, and came up with the following analysis and conclusion: 911 seems to be a better sports car but the SL55 a better daily driver for me.
Both fair assessments, IMO. Personally, I'd weigh the handling and fuel economy heavier, and give the 992 higher ratings on the tech because I prefer the interface. Being convertibles, the 992's windblocker deserves big points on both scorecards. And I'd add a category for cohesiveness...everything about the inputs and feedback in the 992 just feels perfectly balanced, whereas the SL55 is kind of all over the place...it's why I think reviewers have been universally critical as to whether it is trying to be a sports car or luxury GT. Price for both as we spec'd them was the same. For me, tips the scales to the 992.
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Originally Posted by Alan Smithee
Both fair assessments, IMO. Personally, I'd weigh the handling and fuel economy heavier, and give the 992 higher ratings on the tech because I prefer the interface. Being convertibles, the 992's windblocker deserves big points on both scorecards. And I'd add a category for cohesiveness...everything about the inputs and feedback in the 992 just feels perfectly balanced, whereas the SL55 is kind of all over the place...it's why I think reviewers have been universally critical as to whether it is trying to be a sports car or luxury GT. Price for both as we spec'd them was the same. For me, tips the scales to the 992.
Reasonable. I think the SL55 interface is more intuitive and the settings required are easier to find than in the 911. The electronic pop-up windblocker in the 992 is nice, but it's no problem to reach behind me and unfold the one in the SL; actually takes less time. I completely agree with your claim that the 992 is a very balanced sports car; for me, the ingress/egress thing was a major element and probably the biggest reason I sold the 992 (that and waiting for a new lithium battery while the dealership tried to troubleshoot a loud rattle in the front dash). Growing old (sigh).
With regard to the whole sports car thing, for years I've spent untold amounts of money looking for the perfect car to drive through the twisties in changing elevations. Then I remembered I live in Chicago.
TOTAL SCORES: Mercedes 162.838, Porsche 159.95
I did this as a fun exercise for myself while I was bored waiting to go out the other night. I'd love to hear others' opinions, and feel free to abuse me. I won't take it personally.
I was amused by the comparison and the total scores in the first post.
But then, when I saw the pics in post #4, I felt compelled to make a small adjustment.
Please allow me. :-D
21. Front License Plate (0.5) Porsche 8, SL 5 Porsche has it right at the centre, giving a symmetrical appearance while the SL's plate location is really an eyesore.
So, Adjusted Total Scores: Mercedes 165.338 vs Porsche 163.95
Suggest rectifying the issue with something like these:-
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Originally Posted by bishop64
I was amused by the comparison and the total scores in the first post.
But then, when I saw the pics in post #4, I felt compelled to make a small adjustment.
Please allow me. :-D
21. Front License Plate (0.5) Porsche 8, SL 5 Porsche has it right at the centre, giving a symmetrical appearance while the SL's plate location is really an eyesore.
So, Adjusted Total Scores: Mercedes 165.338 vs Porsche 163.95
2022 AMG SL63, 2015 Ferrari 458 Spyder, 2021 ALPINA B7
Originally Posted by bishop64
I was amused by the comparison and the total scores in the first post.
But then, when I saw the pics in post #4, I felt compelled to make a small adjustment.
Please allow me. :-D
21. Front License Plate (0.5) Porsche 8, SL 5 Porsche has it right at the centre, giving a symmetrical appearance while the SL's plate location is really an eyesore.
So, Adjusted Total Scores: Mercedes 165.338 vs Porsche 163.95
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
We are supposed to display front license plates in California as well, but virtually nobody with an interesting car mounts one. Local dealer finance guys, when doing the paperwork, ask if we want the front plate mounted or not. If we decline, they have us sign a wavier and leave the bracket in the trunk. That offset mounting on the 232’s is absolutely insane and yet another indication of how MB is cutting more and more corners these days.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by js_cls
This is beyond a reach. And Stream, there is no need to post your R231 on every thread here, if people wanted R231's they'd post in that section.
“Beyond a reach?” The placement of the front license plate on the 232’s looks like they absolutely forgot about it until the U.S. bound cars arrived here. This would be ridiculous enough on an econobox sedan, but on a “HALO” car like the SL, it is a slap in the face to proper design and aesthetics. This engineering juggernaut known as Mercedes-Benz came up with this as a solution, or should we blame the folks at AMG? Whomever is responsible, it was a very simple task that was not engineered properly and on a $180K++ car, I find that absolutely unacceptable. So many things in the world today are sliding towards mediocrity and so many seem to be so willing to just march right along cheering it. Unbelievable.
As far as me posting photos, I like posting them. If you don’t like looking at them, I believe it is a simple task to have the system “ignore” my posts.
“Beyond a reach?” The placement of the front license plate on the 232’s looks like they absolutely forgot about it until the U.S. bound cars arrived here. This would be ridiculous enough on an econobox sedan, but on a “HALO” car like the SL, it is a slap in the face to proper design and aesthetics. This engineering juggernaut known as Mercedes-Benz came up with this as a solution, or should we blame the folks at AMG? Whomever is responsible, it was a very simple task that was not engineered properly and on a $180K++ car, I find that absolutely unacceptable. So many things in the world today are sliding towards mediocrity and so many seem to be so willing to just march right along cheering it. Unbelievable.
As far as me posting photos, I like posting them. If you don’t like looking at them, I believe it is a simple task to have the system “ignore” my posts.
It does feel like an ongoing search for complaints. Here is what you get on a $3 Million car
Part of the reason is that license plates cover up air intakes and license plate holders are designed to minimize obstruction.
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Honestly, I didn't think twice about putting the front plate on. You park at O'Hare with Illinois registration and no front plate and it's a guaranteed ticket. I agree that the placement of the frame is inelegant but to chastise an entire brand for that reason seems a bit silly to me.
The ongoing criticisms are indeed tiresome...but, wow...Stream has a point...what an afterthought and it is appalling, IMO. EU plates are centered...design and engineering should have worked a bit harder to allow the US plate to be as well.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
[QUOTE=Wolfman;8762424]It does feel like an ongoing search for complaints. Here is what you get on a $3 Million car
Part of the reason is that license plates cover up air intakes and license plate holders are designed to minimize obstruction./QUOTE]
Believe me when I say that I have searched for something, ANYTHING to like about the 232. I search for good and keep finding examples of poorly thought out designs and engineering. As for the Bugatti, knowing where it is made, I would expect nothing less. I expect much better from Mercedes-Benz, but as of late, they keep disappointing. It is unfortunate that so many here feel that to question the brand in general, or the R232 in particular, is somehow slanderous. And, if one thinks I only criticize cars I don’t own, they might wish to look up my thoughts on the R231 audio systems or the W222 ride quality. I give praise where I feel it is warranted and I criticize when something is bad—and that license plate mount is just plain horrible.
This thread is quickly deteriorating. I am happy to see the OP enjoy his new SL55 and provide an interesting comparison to the former 911. Great to see some perspective on the qualities of the car. As for the bickering, no car is perfect...
I don't like front license plates either and all of them are somewhat ugly, centered or not.
The AMG GT models take the cake btw in terms if ugly fit, yet it's barely worth a mention in that forum as the cars deliver on everything else and people just leave the plate off...
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Originally Posted by Streamliner
Believe me when I say that I have searched for something, ANYTHING to like about the 232. I search for good and keep finding examples of poorly thought out designs and engineering. As for the Bugatti, knowing where it is made, I would expect nothing less. I expect much better from Mercedes-Benz, but as of late, they keep disappointing. It is unfortunate that so many here feel that to question the brand in general, or the R232 in particular, is somehow slanderous. And, if one thinks I only criticize cars I don’t own, they might wish to look up my thoughts on the R231 audio systems or the W222 ride quality. I give praise where I feel it is warranted and I criticize when something is bad—and that license plate mount is just plain horrible.
It had been 30 years since I bought my last MB and never had any interest whatsoever in an SL, feeling about prior generation designs the way Mr. Streamliner feels about the R232. I personally LOVE the look of my car. Fewer electrical glitches than were present in my 992; in fact, since I had a warning light show the first night I owned it I haven't had any problems at all.
In Texas, the law is the front license plate has to be on even though all contiguous states don't require that. For my Z06, M8, and SL63 I have never put on the front license plate. I have been pulled over 4 times or so in the Vette, 5 or so times in the M8, and no times in 8 months with the SL63.
I don't care about the $200 fine at all so it doesn't matter what the arbitrary law is and they have never given me a violation ticket. The officers' points of view has consistently been to either give me a warning ticket over and over to fulfill their stated responsibility, or just verbally warn me and take the opportunity to talk about the car. I am not screwing up both the air input and looks because of a stupid law.
In Texas, the law is the front license plate has to be on even though all contiguous states don't require that. For my Z06, M8, and SL63 I have never put on the front license plate. I have been pulled over 4 times or so in the Vette, 5 or so times in the M8, and no times in 8 months with the SL63.
I don't care about the $200 fine at all so it doesn't matter what the arbitrary law is and they have never given me a violation ticket. The officers' points of view has consistently been to either give me a warning ticket over and over to fulfill their stated responsibility, or just verbally warn me and take the opportunity to talk about the car. I am not screwing up both the air input and looks because of a stupid law.
Maryland law is the same, although cops there seem to be more lenient of front plates, they’d rather pull you over for something worse. I can’t remember the last time I was pulled over for front plates. Funny enough last time I was pulled for speeding they didn’t even say anything about the front plate. Thankfully my cars are now Florida registered and don’t need them!
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
. Two main caveats: one, the weightings reflect MY sensibilities, and mine alone, and two, the numerical values are also purely subjective. Needless to say, opinions are like a**holes, and here are mine.
