Hi guys.

i am a new freebie and want to know if anyone of you can give some advise if i should keep my F360 or trade it for SL55.

I know it's different auto but just wanna get more professional advise from here. If i get a chance to trade the 2004 SL55 i will post more pics after. (the pic is the one i wanna trade for)

thank you

 

If you can only have one car, the SL55 is the one to go for. The 360 Modena is more the sports car but as a result is not ideally suited to being a daily driver. If you had both, you would doubltless find the SL55 is an ideal friend for a daily commute or for trips away but the 360 Modena provides that something else which is somehow missing from the SL55.

 

Thks for the quick replied.

i have couple family rides at home but i can only select one between 360 and sl55 as we dun hv big parking spaces in here. It's not really a daily use car but i was attracted by the black sl55.

pls comments

 

If you want a car that's all show, costs $5k every 4-6k miles to maintain, and spends more time in the shop than in your garage, go for the Ferrari.

 

thks guys,

are there any things i should watch out when buying the used 2004 SL55 (still has bout a year warranty).

thank you

chocodip

 

Hey, I currently own both an F1 360 and and SL55, so I thought I could give you a few points and counterpoints.

In my opinion , the Ferrari is a gong show. I go to fill up the tank, and a crowd gathers. I go to the mall, and a crowd gathers. You get the idea. If one wants attention, status, and an ego-stroke, the Ferrari is the only choice. Although the HP and torque numbers are less than the SL55, it feels much much faster. With the F1 paddle shifted transmission, in Sport mode, the upshifts are head-snapping. With a Tubi or Capristo exhaust, the car screams. Downshifts have throttle blips, and are absolutely orgasmic to hear and experience.

It's not a great daily driver, as you know. Ferrari recommends warming it up until the water and especially the oil are a certain temperature. One has to drive it under 4000 RPM for about 15 minutes before the oil is warm enough to open the car up.

The interior is a wet dream. There's almost no plastic anywhere. Everything is covered in aluminum and Italian leather. The radio is an afterthought, as the soundtrack is the engine. Although it's all modern, it's also all rather utilitarian. No cupholders in this car, sir. It's all about the driving experience.

The SL55, in my mind, is not a sports car. It's more of a grand tourer. Has almost identical 0-60 numbers as the 360, but accomplishes it in a vastly different way.

The exhaust note is very deep and throaty, and reminds me of big block American muscle cars. The powerband is very linear and smooth, and has ample thrust at all speeds.

Every gadget known to man is in the car, and some of them actually work. I poke fun at this, but when you get down to it, it's almost criminal that a car at this price point can have so many problems with it. Search the forums here - these people aren't lying. My car was delivered with seat memory buttons that didn't work, comfort wheel and seat settings that don't set, and a handful of other stuff that are not life-threatening, but that are a bit frustrating nonetheless. Summarily, build quality could be better.

All that being said, the SL55 is fantastic car. Top up, it's sleek and gets just enough attention without being obnoxious. Top down, and it's simply a great car to go cruising in on sunny days. Creature comforts abound, from seats that massage as you drive, to ride height that automatically lowers when you reach cruising speeds. It's a very well thought-out vehicle, I have to admit.

Absolutely nothing is going to replace the Ferrari experience. If you've never owned one, you should. Since you have one now, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The 360 doesn't appeal to your sense of practicality, that's for sure, but for sheer excitement, it can't be beat.

One is never relaxed when driving the 360. It demands respect, and will bite your *** if you are slow-witted or overzealous. The SL55 by contrast, almost drives itself. Automatic headlights, automatic wipers, automatic cruise control that sets the distance between you and the other cars - it's unbelievable how automated the experience can be if you so choose.

Hopefully my post helps your decision making process. I'm passionate about cars, and feel that the 360 and the SL55 are 2 of the greatest cars ever made. I believe both will be classics in their own rights, years from now when our grandkids look back on the vehicles that defined our current times.

I guess what I'm trying to say is you've done the Ferrari thing and I'm guessing have enjoyed it immensely. Lock the memories away for awhile, pick up an SL55, and create some new memories.

You only live once.

 

Well written, porter! I pretty much echo your advice - the Ferrari is an experience whether you're driving it or just standing next to it. However, it's a needy and demanding mistress and if the "experience" isn't worth it, you'll rapidly wish you'd chosen something a bit more functional. The SL is a wonderful GT car, reliable and comfortable and low-maintenance, but is pretty near invisible except to the cognescenti.

Which is better? It's entirely a matter of personal choice.

 

chocodip, where are you located? The car's RHD and location looks Asian. Hong Kong? Taiwan? Singapore? BTW, I live in Malaysia.

I've never had a Ferrari, just sat in one once so my opinion probably doesn't count but I'd go the SL. IMHO, cars that are too demanding and spend a lot of time in the workshop are not worth it despite the attention and 'passion' that you get. I was fortunate enough to own a very heavily modded car that spent a lot of time in the shop and it was frustrating.

 

guys.....thks so much for all the words.....specail thks to PORTER.....you said the right thing "I live once" and it's all good!!

What do u think the handling performance of 360 and SL55 in turning?

360 is really something that i kept sayin to myself it's hard to find a sub-car which can replace it (the driving performance, the handling, the sounds and the F1 paddels really kickass) but it's all true it stays in workshop more then in my garage .It's a big step for me to find a replacement for it but since i had all the memories i think i gotta move it on.

I will go test out the car tmr or else i will never know wut it feels like.

to gobiz, yes, i live in Hong Kong.

Thank you once again!

 

I've tracked the 360 a bunch of times. It's like a knife. Response is instantaneous. Very little roll. I'm only brave enough to drive it at 8/10ths. Beyond that, it really demands a lot of skill and attention. The back end gets squirrely and requires subtle countersteer and judicious use of the throttle to get it back in line. Snap oversteer will seal your fate on hard corners.

I've never tracked the SL55, so I can't say that I've pushed it very hard. I've had mine lowered via the lowering module, and always drive it in the firmest suspension setting. I'd describe the cornering as capable and comfortable. The torque makes it easy to have the back end break out. It's a heavy vehicle, so you have to think a bit differently about the vehicle dynamics when entering a hard turn. There's not a lot of roll, but again, I've not tracked the car.

The car is brilliant at what it claims to be. While the SLR has a bit of an identity crisis, the SL55 and 65 are exactly what they are meant to be - very luxurious grand tourers that are jammed to the brim with every new technology available, but that also have gobs of power for those frequent occasions where you are feeling a bit nasty and want to hear that engine really open up and roar.

 

Well, I might as well put in my two cents ( that might be an overpayment) after what has been said thus far......I agree with everything except:

1) My Ferrari and my SL65 have both been bullet proof..but unfortunately not pot hole proof.
2) I absolutely love the SL65, it is a rocket, but if I had to choose one, to drive forever, it would have to be the Ferrari, It is like no other...period. I also think you could drive it every day but you have to love to drive. Sure it's quirky and it has no cup holders...yada, yada. It's like Angelina Jolie vs. Susan Anton ......obviously Brad is a Ferrari man too:-)

 

These comments obviously come from someone with little or no Ferrari experience. I have many Fcars and find that they are not that maintainance intensive, nor are they finicky. Modern Ferrari's can be used all the time. I have driven my F40 to work and done the grocery run as well as the track. They all work and have never let me down....and if you aren't totally inept and can do some of your own work, it even brings the cost of running them even more reasonable.

Get what you want......drive both and see which car you enjoy. I love my Ferraris, but the SL55 will leave most of them for dust......but the Ferrari's have more charachter and soul.

 

gonna test out and tell ya wut my comments toward the SL55. i am looking forward to it.

The salesman told me the SL55 i will test (previous shown in the pic) is running a 20" carlsson, AMG 10 ports brake system?? and the previous owner add a chip to cut out top speed limit. Is the brake system and the top speed limit in real? or just AMG SL55 standard equipped. I dun wanna get jipped from the salesman in here.

thanks guys!!!

chocodip

 

well if you live in Hong Kong, why bother to buy SL55? I wouldn't want to open the top in HK (air and noise pollution)

 

You seem to forget that the SL55 is itself a great source of air and noise pollution

 

LOL! Not to mention petrol consumption and generally a heavy drain on Earth's precious resources

 

wanna double check with all you guys out there if the SL55 comes with AMG 10 ports brake system?? and the salesman told me previous owner add a chip to cut out top speed limit. Is the brake system and the top speed limit in real? or just AMG SL55 standard equipped. I dun wanna get jipped from the salesman in here.


thks

 

SL55 should come with a 6 pot calipers and SL65 comes with 8 pot calipers with 15 inch disc.. yummy

 

does 2004 SL55 only comes with 5 speeds auto? or it has 7 speed as well

thks

 

I was cruising town with my SL55 today (very nice day out for a convertible!) and stopped by the Ferrari/Maserati dealership. It's Sunday so naturally, it was closed. But, luck may have it, one of the sales guy was just going in to pick some papers up and he obliged me to go in. I asked him how long the wait for the F430 is and he told me flat out that he is all sold out 5 years. And he also mentioned that for someone who's never owned a Ferrari, it will be hard to get an F430. Is that true? He did tell me that I should get a 360 instead. He had 3 of them and one I particularly like was a 2004 with 1500 miles on it. The color was red. He said they're selling if for $180k. Is that a good price for it? I thought it was way too much for a 2004. I thought for that price, I can get myself a DB9 or a Cont GT. What do you guys think? What is the average maintenance cost for the F360?

 

Choco......SL55 is 5 speed.

 

As I know, SL55 comes with the 8 ports break system at front and 4 ports at rear, and even SL65 comes with the same break system except it has a bigger break disc(380mm at front). I never heared a 10 ports break system, but I do know Brabus offers a break system with 12 ports at front and 6 ports at rear for AMG drivers who want to upgrade their break system. In addition, it's very easy to add a chip to cut out top speed limit. Many tuning company have this option, such as Brabus, Carlsson, Lorinser, Kleemann, MKB....etc.

 

If you wanted to upspec the SL55 to a sportier package you could go with the SL55 performance package parts such as the Nurburgring suspension kit, Limited slip diff, and bigger brake discs.

 

Even a mildly modded SL 55 with just a chip, pulley, and full racing headers-back exhaust system will smoke a 360 Modena ...... and you will be pampered by vast quantities of luxury ...


Even just plain stock it would probably beat a 360 Modena ....


And 180,000 Dollars for a used 360 Modena !!! You can get a slightly used 2005 SL 65 right now from some dealerships for less than that !!! And as we all know, an SL 65 will destroy a 360 Modena, or 575M .....

Then take it to renntech, chip it, and you'll guarantee your supremacy ....

Have someone race a 360 Modena or F430 or 575M all the way down a highway from 0 to whatever against a Renntech chipped SL 65 .... anyone wanna wager who would walk away easily from this race? The SL 65 would conquer all with ease ...... By the time the other cars hit 150 or 160 MPH, the Renntech SL 65 would be at 200 already or more ......

If the looks, attention, sound, and passion are what you're looking for ofcourse more than anything else, then ofcourse I can understand anyones desire to buy Italian ... but not Ferrari ... stick with Lamborghini ...
Maybe if you go test drive a car such as maybe a Diablo GT ... or Murcielago with upgraded exhaust you will most likely want a Lamborghini any day over a Ferrari .....

Mercedes vs. BMW & Lamborghini vs. Ferrari .....

Mercedes & Lamborghini then !!!!
Mercedes for daily driving, Lamborghini for Weekends and just messing around

 

Hi ppl,

I just went to test drive the SL55 tdy......one word "awesome"!!!

after gettin all the infos are ya all, i slightly get a general idea before turn on the engine. the ride is smooth with a 20" carlsson, it's lil slumpy when step on the pedal but i understand the car itself is heavy but it kicks in really fast it rocksss!!! the curves was smooth, the low torque is super>>>> I gotta admit the F1 shift was better then i expected....i thought it's gonna be slow respond compare to F360 but infact its really fast!!

if things go smooth i should be gettin my SL55 next week....woohoooo!!!

Couple more questions to you guys, is there a way i can check if this car has the AMG PERFORMANCE PACKAGE? Also, the dash board sayin "Service to 22 days" what is that mean? need service? The salesman told me it just went in service couple weeks ago.

Thks ya all!!