) but I'd say take the SL55 with the 5.5 S/C motor while you can; and then wait for the 997TT to come out.... 
SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 or 996tt?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 0
From: Toronto,ON
AMG
SL55 or 996tt?
I have a dilemma, love both cars, want both cars but can get only 1 as a second car, to cruise around and have fun... Both can be tuned, SL55 is a lil more comfy for a guy os my size, turbo is more sporty and can be tuned, and more reliable too i think.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
C 230K Coupé
If it's just a fun car I would choose the 996tt mainly because it comes with a manual. It gets much more involved with the driving and definitelly a lot more fun than an auto. But if convenience and room is your concern definitelly go with the SL55. That car has performance, luxury, and style. All up to what you're looking for.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
or you can do what i do.. get two cars to have fun in 
Originally Posted by BoBcanada
I have a dilemma, love both cars, want both cars but can get only 1 as a second car, to cruise around and have fun... Both can be tuned, SL55 is a lil more comfy for a guy os my size, turbo is more sporty and can be tuned, and more reliable too i think.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
From: The Lake
An Affalterbach Beast & Others
I own a Tipronic Turbo and an SL55, the Turbo is a lot of fun, but the SL55 takes the cake for being just as fast and a whole lot nicer with more creature comforts, not to mention that it is a convertible.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
I've considered purchasing both cars over the last couple of years and enjoyed the SL55 far more than the 911 TT. I was very close to getting the SL55 but decided to go for the SLK55AMG, as the SL styling is due for an upgrade soon and it looked quite dated compared to the SLK55AMG.
Perhaps you should also consider the new 911TT with rumored 500 hp
Perhaps you should also consider the new 911TT with rumored 500 hp
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
Originally Posted by ian55amg
I've considered purchasing both cars over the last couple of years and enjoyed the SL55 far more than the 911 TT. I was very close to getting the SL55 but decided to go for the SLK55AMG, as the SL styling is due for an upgrade soon and it looked quite dated compared to the SLK55AMG.
Perhaps you should also consider the new 911TT with rumored 500 hp
Perhaps you should also consider the new 911TT with rumored 500 hp
My pick: R230 SL over any 996 no questions asked....997 turbo maybe. But an 07 SL63 with very light body updates may be as fast or FASTER...plus its an SL
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 0
From: Toronto,ON
AMG
Originally Posted by cy0811
But an 07 SL63 with very light body updates may be as fast or FASTER...plus its an SL
I guess I have to take 996tt for a drive to decide.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
Light body updates mean new rear lights etc, showing it is not changing too much on the surface (apparently to speculation) but will probably have a bump in HP....I am not talking about less weight.
Also to clarify: I pick the SL or both...!
Also to clarify: I pick the SL or both...!
Last edited by CY; Jan 16, 2006 at 04:33 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Boston/Ohio
I was faced with a similar dilemma a couple years ago and I went with a 996TT. My dad used to have a sl500 and the bottom line is NO sl and I mean NO SL will ever be a sports car. They are tanks and just arn't sporty to drive. I love the Sl and today my dad picked up an Sl600 for us to have some fun in. We both love Sls and he really pushed me towards the SL when I got the Turbo, but I just fell in love with Porsche. If I were going to have one car get the Turbo.
With respect to your decision you have to ask yourself if you like to drive, or like to be driven. My dad isn't a fast driver, he hates the porsche. I think my dad has driven the Porsche maybe 50 miles since I got it. As a result he decided he wanted a sports car which in his mind is a SL. If you are older and don't want to drive the car hard and don't get enjoyment out of a perfect downshift or hitting an Apex the Sl is the right car for you. It really depends on the person when it comes to these two cars. I see the SL as a good touring car while to me the Turbo is more of a sports car.
I hope this helps. I must say that my dad has never liked the Turbo and I do like the SL. I'm sure I will end up putting 75% or more of the miles on the SL though. You should also know I am a car enthusiast through and through and I would rather leave the Turbo in the garage on a rainy day and take the SL just to protect my precious Porsche. If I had 100k I would go for the Porsche no question about it.
Good Luck!
P.S. SL owners I love the Sl so please don't think I was trying to insult the car in anyway I just don't personally think the SL600 or SL55 are sports cars.
With respect to your decision you have to ask yourself if you like to drive, or like to be driven. My dad isn't a fast driver, he hates the porsche. I think my dad has driven the Porsche maybe 50 miles since I got it. As a result he decided he wanted a sports car which in his mind is a SL. If you are older and don't want to drive the car hard and don't get enjoyment out of a perfect downshift or hitting an Apex the Sl is the right car for you. It really depends on the person when it comes to these two cars. I see the SL as a good touring car while to me the Turbo is more of a sports car.
I hope this helps. I must say that my dad has never liked the Turbo and I do like the SL. I'm sure I will end up putting 75% or more of the miles on the SL though. You should also know I am a car enthusiast through and through and I would rather leave the Turbo in the garage on a rainy day and take the SL just to protect my precious Porsche. If I had 100k I would go for the Porsche no question about it.
Good Luck!
P.S. SL owners I love the Sl so please don't think I was trying to insult the car in anyway I just don't personally think the SL600 or SL55 are sports cars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,431
Likes: 10
From: St George Utah
2017 SL63
Always wanted a Turbo Cab. Bought a new 04. Had it 8 months. Beat the sh*t out of me. Sold it.
Corvette would do the same thing...
Sl all the way
Corvette would do the same thing...
Sl all the way
Last edited by idrive; Mar 13, 2006 at 12:34 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
for every 50 miles i put on my 996, i put another 5000 on my SL.. as fun as the 996 is.. the SL interior just spoils the hell out of you... it's so much more comfortable than the 996, and the sound system is so much better (which isn't saying much, but the 996 sound system is horrible) that when I want to hop in the car, and drive downtown, it always end up being the SL.. I suppose if I lived in a more rural area, or area with roads all over, I might drive the 996 more.. but i've found that living "in the city" having an SL is probably one of the best cars one can have for all over comfort, speed, and the total package...
but as the others have said, it is no porsche in terms of handling or true "driving experience" .. the SL isn't really a drivers car, nor was it meant to be.. it's 2 seats of pure endulgence of the finest technology and comfort the auto industry has to offer
but as the others have said, it is no porsche in terms of handling or true "driving experience" .. the SL isn't really a drivers car, nor was it meant to be.. it's 2 seats of pure endulgence of the finest technology and comfort the auto industry has to offer
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, NC
2003 SL55 & 2006 VW GTi
I think I'm going to echo what most people say already.
I just traded my 996tt with X50 for an SL55.
I've never had a Merc before and to be honest probably wouldn't have one now if I lived anywhere with some nice twisty roads (I'm in eastern NC).
As drivers cars the 911 wins without question. It's more involving, seat of the pants faster and actually talks to you. While the ride is better in the SL, the handling of the 911 is in another league. But, when comparing my wife's Cayman to the 911 I could say all those things about her car comapred to the 911, it nearly makes the turbo feel like the SL, except for power of course.
I abosolutely adore my new car, it is a joy to drive, sounds good and look superb. Big clincher is that its a cab and coupe (although I think it looks best with the roof up). I love the interior, what a great place to be.
I can see both arguments for either car, the right one is only right for what you want it for. Don't buy the SL if you expect it to be a race car, it isn't. Buy the SL if you want one of the best ways to travel on four wheels (with 500hp, just in case!).
What ever you do, don't buy a Z06, have some class man!
I just traded my 996tt with X50 for an SL55.
I've never had a Merc before and to be honest probably wouldn't have one now if I lived anywhere with some nice twisty roads (I'm in eastern NC).
As drivers cars the 911 wins without question. It's more involving, seat of the pants faster and actually talks to you. While the ride is better in the SL, the handling of the 911 is in another league. But, when comparing my wife's Cayman to the 911 I could say all those things about her car comapred to the 911, it nearly makes the turbo feel like the SL, except for power of course.
I abosolutely adore my new car, it is a joy to drive, sounds good and look superb. Big clincher is that its a cab and coupe (although I think it looks best with the roof up). I love the interior, what a great place to be.
I can see both arguments for either car, the right one is only right for what you want it for. Don't buy the SL if you expect it to be a race car, it isn't. Buy the SL if you want one of the best ways to travel on four wheels (with 500hp, just in case!).
What ever you do, don't buy a Z06, have some class man!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 0
From: Toronto,ON
AMG
Originally Posted by j7ols
I think I'm going to echo what most people say already.
I just traded my 996tt with X50 for an SL55.
I've never had a Merc before and to be honest probably wouldn't have one now if I lived anywhere with some nice twisty roads (I'm in eastern NC).
As drivers cars the 911 wins without question. It's more involving, seat of the pants faster and actually talks to you. While the ride is better in the SL, the handling of the 911 is in another league. But, when comparing my wife's Cayman to the 911 I could say all those things about her car comapred to the 911, it nearly makes the turbo feel like the SL, except for power of course.
I abosolutely adore my new car, it is a joy to drive, sounds good and look superb. Big clincher is that its a cab and coupe (although I think it looks best with the roof up). I love the interior, what a great place to be.
I can see both arguments for either car, the right one is only right for what you want it for. Don't buy the SL if you expect it to be a race car, it isn't. Buy the SL if you want one of the best ways to travel on four wheels (with 500hp, just in case!).
What ever you do, don't buy a Z06, have some class man!
I just traded my 996tt with X50 for an SL55.
I've never had a Merc before and to be honest probably wouldn't have one now if I lived anywhere with some nice twisty roads (I'm in eastern NC).
As drivers cars the 911 wins without question. It's more involving, seat of the pants faster and actually talks to you. While the ride is better in the SL, the handling of the 911 is in another league. But, when comparing my wife's Cayman to the 911 I could say all those things about her car comapred to the 911, it nearly makes the turbo feel like the SL, except for power of course.
I abosolutely adore my new car, it is a joy to drive, sounds good and look superb. Big clincher is that its a cab and coupe (although I think it looks best with the roof up). I love the interior, what a great place to be.
I can see both arguments for either car, the right one is only right for what you want it for. Don't buy the SL if you expect it to be a race car, it isn't. Buy the SL if you want one of the best ways to travel on four wheels (with 500hp, just in case!).
What ever you do, don't buy a Z06, have some class man!
Well you should give some credit to a car that runs 11.4 stock with stock tyres, 11.2 on slicks stock and with minimal tuning 11 flat. I'm not buying a car, im buying a sports car, i dont care if its cheap inside, I want a car to spank P cars F cars M cars in every way and z06 can do it.
When AMG will release the twin turbo V8 i'll be back maybe.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, NC
2003 SL55 & 2006 VW GTi
I do give credit where credit is due, the Z06 is a very fast motor car.
would I want to be seen in one? No thanks.
You asked the question which car, tt or SL55 to cruise around and have some fun? Now it turns out you want to buy the fastest track car.
Forgive me if I was giving you some insight/advice into your original question!
would I want to be seen in one? No thanks.
You asked the question which car, tt or SL55 to cruise around and have some fun? Now it turns out you want to buy the fastest track car.
Forgive me if I was giving you some insight/advice into your original question!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 0
From: Toronto,ON
AMG
Originally Posted by j7ols
I do give credit where credit is due, the Z06 is a very fast motor car.
would I want to be seen in one? No thanks.
You asked the question which car, tt or SL55 to cruise around and have some fun? Now it turns out you want to buy the fastest track car.
Forgive me if I was giving you some insight/advice into your original question!
would I want to be seen in one? No thanks.
You asked the question which car, tt or SL55 to cruise around and have some fun? Now it turns out you want to buy the fastest track car.
Forgive me if I was giving you some insight/advice into your original question!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 746
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda,Md.
Bentley Arnage Red Label
Originally Posted by BoBcanada
Well you should give some credit to a car that runs 11.4 stock with stock tyres, 11.2 on slicks stock and with minimal tuning 11 flat. I'm not buying a car, im buying a sports car, i dont care if its cheap inside, I want a car to spank P cars F cars M cars in every way and z06 can do it.
When AMG will release the twin turbo V8 i'll be back maybe.
When AMG will release the twin turbo V8 i'll be back maybe.
Z06 is nice but 11.04 stock is dreaming. I have been to the track and watched them run and they are lucky to break 12. Before you say its the driver, I have seen a few try. Its too hard to hook up.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
and an old mustang 5.0 worth $1,000 with some cheap mods can run that as well, what's your point? :>
If all you want is a cheap drag queen, then a mercedes is not for you.. check out san francisco or a camaro
If all you want is a cheap drag queen, then a mercedes is not for you.. check out san francisco or a camaro
Originally Posted by BoBcanada
Well you should give some credit to a car that runs 11.4 stock with stock tyres, 11.2 on slicks stock and with minimal tuning 11 flat. I'm not buying a car, im buying a sports car, i dont care if its cheap inside, I want a car to spank P cars F cars M cars in every way and z06 can do it.
When AMG will release the twin turbo V8 i'll be back maybe.
When AMG will release the twin turbo V8 i'll be back maybe.
