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

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Tough choice: SL65 or 997 TT for daily driver?

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Old 10-04-2006, 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by WSH
997TT w/o doubt for all-seasons commute duty.

Own both '07 SL65 and 997TT Tip....'07 65 is notably better than ancient '06 in terms of ABC/steering precision/trac; upgraded/thicker steering wheel/paddleshifters; nanotech paint (useful vs swirls on blk), cf trim, etc etc, but '07 65 weak mid-range traction is concerning even in CA's winter rains, let alone ex-CA settings.....

On dry pavement, def prefer '07 65 (not an ancient '06) vs 997TT....65 has no apparent turbo lag, much stronger 60-120MPH accel, more interesting exhaust note and a commute-relevant 24gall fuel tank (vs 997TT's <18gall tank....and both cars get 10MPG in urban/spirited/cold-weather driving).....but for rain weather commuting I'm keeping 997TT until Spr07.....and next winter, plan to use CL63 as my rain weather commuter.....

Besides, a 997TT Tip is much cheaper/more "liquid" to lease and trade-in next Spr for CL63 than getting stuck w/an illiquid 65 for more than 6-12mos, esp an already-obsolete '06....and even '07 SL65 already looks ancient vs CL63/65 in terms of headlight systems/airbag&safety systems/integral seats/infotainment systems, etc etc.....


Are you sure you aren't just trying to justify the extra money you paid for an 07? I drove a buddies and I don't feel ANY difference in the two. To call one ancient is crazy. To me paying 50k more for an 07 is nuts. The engine, HP, TQ etc. is the same.
Old 10-04-2006, 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Juice it
Are you sure you aren't just trying to justify the extra money you paid for an 07? I drove a buddies and I don't feel ANY difference in the two. To call one ancient is crazy. To me paying 50k more for an 07 is nuts. The engine, HP, TQ etc. is the same.
Didn't you get the memo? Nanotech paint makes all previous cars obsolete, and the thicker steering wheel with paddles (never seen those before!!) is the straw that broke the camel's back.
Old 10-04-2006, 04:54 PM
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SL55, ML500, GT3 RS, 997C2S
The 997TT in normal ride mode rides every bit as good as the SL55 in sport mode. It's also has a very smooth power delivery, and if you get the tip, you will have the ultimate stoplight warrior. I think the tip even comes off the line faster than the Veyron.
Old 10-04-2006, 04:57 PM
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SL55, ML500, GT3 RS, 997C2S
BTW, is the 997TT locked in to a deal? Most dealers have a huge waiting list. If there is one available then it may not last a week. I bet I could sell mine for very close to what I paid for it.
Old 10-04-2006, 05:56 PM
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Update:
997 is total of $10k over $151k MSRP and lease now comes to about $450 more monthly.
Btw,all 600s and 65s were with nano paint since 2004...
997 is GT Silver ,two tone Black/Grey leather,CCBs,Carbon,carbon
Old 10-04-2006, 06:31 PM
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08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
?

You've previously stated you had the frothcoming CL65 on order as well as a Ferrari 599 and a Bentley Flying Spur for the wife. Are those three still the plan?

This leaves me a little confused as to this thread.

BTW, SL65 is great but 997TT is better in the wet and will be a very comfortable daily driver too, especially as it's tiptronic. You can use its power much more of the time than the 65's.
Old 10-04-2006, 07:20 PM
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'10 Porsche Turbo PDK, 500e, GL450
change my mind

If the porsche is going to cost more ... then definitely the SL65.
Old 10-04-2006, 07:33 PM
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EVOTECH Mercedes AMG
997 Tt

Go for the 997 TT!
Old 10-04-2006, 07:44 PM
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It appears that I am about the only one that doesn't like the TT over the SL as a daily driver.

Have you guys owned one?? I have. 04 TT Cab. Bought it new.
Sold it after 8 months. Wasn't comfortable wasn't at all practical. And some of the rattles...

I enjoyed my CLS55 and now the SL, MUCH more than the Porsche.
If the weather sucks that bad I would never drive either one of them in it anyway. That's what second cars are for.

My experience and opinion.
Old 10-04-2006, 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by transferred
You've previously stated you had the frothcoming CL65 on order as well as a Ferrari 599 and a Bentley Flying Spur for the wife. Are those three still the plan?

This leaves me a little confused as to this thread.

BTW, SL65 is great but 997TT is better in the wet and will be a very comfortable daily driver too, especially as it's tiptronic. You can use its power much more of the time than the 65's.
My G55 is in service waiting for new headers and is already traded for Range Rover Sport SC (coming next week),wife is already enjoying her FS,599 is scheduled (already specced) for December production,order for CL65 is in force with approximate arrival in the Fall of 2007.
Made my mind ,will take the SL ,since Porsche is $10k over MSRP and is Silver with Grey and Carbon(most unatractive combo in my eyes).
Old 10-04-2006, 08:32 PM
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Traded in the G55 for the RR? Did I read that correctly? To each it's own, but man... I love my father's G55!

Oh yeah, I would go for the SL65. Not because I'm a Mercedes guy, but having hours in a P car, it's not an everyday car.
Old 10-04-2006, 09:02 PM
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997 for sure. hands down.
Old 10-04-2006, 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by absent
My G55 is in service waiting for new headers and is already traded for Range Rover Sport SC (coming next week),wife is already enjoying her FS,599 is scheduled (already specced) for December production,order for CL65 is in force with approximate arrival in the Fall of 2007.
Made my mind ,will take the SL ,since Porsche is $10k over MSRP and is Silver with Grey and Carbon(most unatractive combo in my eyes).
Good choice, the better all around car in my opinion. The top is just a bonus.
Old 10-05-2006, 12:15 AM
  #39  
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2010 CL65
Originally Posted by Juice it
Are you sure you aren't just trying to justify the extra money you paid for an 07? I drove a buddies and I don't feel ANY difference in the two. To call one ancient is crazy. To me paying 50k more for an 07 is nuts. The engine, HP, TQ etc. is the same.
To each his own....

I typically get 3-4 new, latest-tech MB/F/P every 6-12 mos b/c one of my primary hobbies is enjoying new technologies and aesthetics of a brand new, bespoke-spec'd car.....sure, new, latest-gen P/MB all deprec $50K upon drive-off....and new F's are essentially free in US for repeat buyers...

To me, as an amateur w/no aspirations of giving up my day job to become a pro race car driver, stoplight drag racing/track times are fairly irrelevant....I enjoy mid-range tq/accel, steering precision, chassis balance, traction, brake pedal feel.....and interior materials, down to even quality/tech features of key fob (where '06 65 has the ancient plastic MB key fob).....and we each need to determine for self what's an absurd/perfectly rational amt of money to spend for a few mths enjoyment of a car (or anything else in life)......as life is too short to overrationalize discretionary car purchases....o/w we'd all be driving S550 4Matics/Camrys (dpdg on budget) for 2-3 yrs before getting new iterations when leases expire......
Old 10-05-2006, 01:28 AM
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SL/M6
Originally Posted by absent
I'd like to add,depreciation is a non issue, since it would be a 24 mo lease through my Company,both cars involve the same monthly and up front expense.
Lease= SL65 (Depreciation doesn't matter and you will be driving an almost $200,000 MSRP flagship benz V12 Biturbo monster and will be out of it before the body style changes, plus hardtop conv. and color you like).

Buy= Turbo (Good resale if that is an issue, rougher ride, true sportscar. But exterior not too stunning or showy in anyway to most non-enthusiasts....the SL will turn more heads. This could be bad or good depending on you).

IMO
Old 10-05-2006, 11:54 PM
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06 CLS55, 07 997TT, 07 ML63, 10 X6M, 11 Alpina B7, 12 997TTS, 13 G63, 13 MP4-12C
being a brand new owner of a tip-ed 997TT I can tell you with the Tip, it's one of the best GT car there is. Porsche changed the tip programming from the 996 version and this version is almost as good as the one in my CLS55.

For all weather driving nothing beats the awd in the TT. The very next day I took delivery of my TT I went on a 500+km roadtrip in torrrential downpour, the TT is as stable as a rock on highway. Remember awd even works in the snow!!!

About the only thing you will be missing if you pick the Porsche is that you would not have a convertible top and a covered trunk.

The TT can carry a lot of stuff too if you need to, I can fit 2 golf bags, 2 push carts and 2 overnight bag in the car without much trouble.
Old 10-06-2006, 12:06 AM
  #42  
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fast cars and faster motorcycles ..
WSH,
.
are you saying that you can purchase a 430 spyder for list price not market condition price? the two ferrari dealers i talked to said $70K over list..

.
.

Absent,

i went from a TT to an SL55.. you need a convertible.. SL65 all the way..
.
i'll look for you in LF..
Old 10-06-2006, 04:35 AM
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...SL all the way!!! Because it combines.... EVERYTHING!!!!!

George

++
Old 10-06-2006, 04:39 AM
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Sl65
Old 10-06-2006, 01:03 PM
  #45  
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I know I'll catch a lot of flack for this, but I'm still not a fan of the 997 looks. I still prefer the looks of a 996 GT2, or 993 tt. I know the 997 is the "better" car inside and out, and in no way is the 997 a duck, but it's just my opinion.

Absent, great choice with choosing the "real" beast! Post pics when you pick it up!

Last edited by 55 ON IT; 10-06-2006 at 01:06 PM.
Old 10-06-2006, 01:06 PM
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'07 Porsche 997TT
Originally Posted by Cylinder Head
Didn't you get the memo? Nanotech paint makes all previous cars obsolete, and the thicker steering wheel with paddles (never seen those before!!) is the straw that broke the camel's back.
LOL, my '04 E55 had nano paint.
Old 10-06-2006, 07:57 PM
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I would go with the AWD 997 TT..... I would never think of driving a SL65 in the winter, that just an accident waiting to happen.

P.S I live in Vernon Hills...about 15 min from Lake Forest and I know how crazy the weather gets in the winter.
Old 10-06-2006, 11:22 PM
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Originally Posted by blume
a new body porsche v. an old body benz.... i think the decision is easy! keep us posted...
The Porsche still has the same design from 15 years ago. Most people wouldnt know the difference between new and old. The "new" one still looks old. The SL65 looks better.

But, I'd still probably go with the 997TT because of the AWD.
Old 10-06-2006, 11:37 PM
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SL 55 AMG, ML 350... and my girl's SLK 200 ;)
As said before, the 997 is the better all-around car (4WD, new model, less depreciation). However, the SL is open air. Depends on how important that is for you. Otherwise wait for the 997 TT cabrio.
Old 10-07-2006, 12:07 AM
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Everyone keeps bringing up the all wheel drive like that is a huge plus. From reading the list of his other cars, like most people buying 100kplus sports cars they have SUV's for bad weather and the sports car usually never even gets driven in the rain. Its not that they can't, but they are for sport or fun and there is no need to drive them in crappy weather if you have something else to take. Yeah you could take it out in light snow but why would you?


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