SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 or 996tt?

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Old 01-13-2006, 06:22 PM
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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.


Old 01-13-2006, 08:48 PM
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06 SL55 / 05 Range Rover
I would go for the SL55... way better choice especially if you need more room... good luck
Old 01-13-2006, 08:54 PM
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SL55.
You will love the hardtop. It's basically two cars in one!
Old 01-13-2006, 11:04 PM
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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.
Old 01-14-2006, 12:03 AM
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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.


Old 01-14-2006, 10:03 AM
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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.
Old 01-14-2006, 04:49 PM
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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
Old 01-14-2006, 06:07 PM
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Maybe I'm going out on a limb here (who me?!!! ) 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....
Old 01-14-2006, 06:22 PM
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Unless you are the world's foremost hairdresser, go for the 996TT, the SL55 is not a driver's car by any stretch of the imagination.

FACT.

I had one for a moment in time.

IT WAS ****.
Old 01-14-2006, 07:14 PM
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996 tt, stick, sport seats, ecu upgrade and sport exhaust

i would get a 997 though cause i like the look more
Old 01-14-2006, 10:35 PM
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2003 porsche 996tt Ruf, 2005 SL55 Renntech
I have both sl55 weekday car , 996tt weekender
Old 01-15-2006, 07:23 AM
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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
There is no comparison between a SL and an SLK IMO....but to each there own right?

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
Old 01-15-2006, 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by cy0811
But an 07 SL63 with very light body updates may be as fast or FASTER...plus its an SL
WHere did you heard that SL gonna have light body updates lol, its not a race car. I guess I have to take 996tt for a drive to decide.
Old 01-16-2006, 04:30 AM
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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...!

Last edited by CY; 01-16-2006 at 04:33 AM.
Old 03-13-2006, 12:59 AM
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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.
Old 03-13-2006, 02:06 AM
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05 sl600, 06 CLS55 AMG, 1971 Cuda
How about SL600 Or SL65?
Old 03-13-2006, 03:03 AM
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Im leaning towards the z06 now
Old 03-13-2006, 09:03 AM
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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

Last edited by idrive; 03-13-2006 at 12:34 PM.
Old 03-13-2006, 09:59 AM
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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
Old 03-13-2006, 10:19 AM
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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!
Old 03-13-2006, 11:32 AM
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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!

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.
Old 03-13-2006, 11:40 AM
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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!
Old 03-13-2006, 11:44 AM
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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!
Its cool, yea i just want a true sports car, plus new z06 is mod friendly with 3-4 k in mods you get about 570-590 hp, so it is a great deal. If i would buy a car to cruise around i would defenetly go with SL55.
Old 03-13-2006, 12:39 PM
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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.


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.
Old 03-13-2006, 01:29 PM
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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

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.


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