Tuskir

I would like to compare a Kleemann/Renntech supercharged SLK55 with an SL55. The base MSRP for SL55 is ~$120,000, the base MSRP for ~SLK55 is $62,000. This leaves the difference of around ~$60,000. Now, the Kleemann S8 package + Kleemann LSD will set you back around $25,000 installed. This way, we would've spent around $85,000. Here is the comparison:

Kleemann SLK55
Price: $85,000
HP: 580hp (~500whp)
1/4 mile: 11.7 (C2 design SLK55 S8)
Transmission: 7 speed
Weight: ~3,500lbs


SL55
Price: $120,000
HP: 500hp (~430whp)
1/4 mile: 12.5 (car and driver)
Transmission: 5 speed
Weight: ~4,300lbs

On paper, it is clear that Kleemann SLK55 is far superior. Nearly 1,000lbs lighter, 80 more hp, 7 speed transmission, better weight distribution, etc. Not to mention, there are no controversial ecu recalls that may decrease performance on the SLK55. So, can someone explain to me why you think SL55 is worth 30,000$ more? The only reason I can think of is SL55 gives you warranty, while supercharged SLK55 will have its warranty voided. However, I haven't heard one single complaint against kleemann superchargers, they have been tested to over 50,000 miles in the SLK55 /w 7 speed and no problems.

P.S. I clearly understand why SL600/65 is better than SLK55, however, lets keep to "supercharged V8 in SLK body VS supercharged V8 in SL body". Remember that V12's are way more expensive...

blazinginder

SL = status + slick

SLK = small + girly


...im gonna hear an earful for saying that

Tuskir

Oh C'mon, there is nothing "girly" about a Kleemann 580hp SLK55

SuperDave

Is the only difference between the two cars in Engine/Transmission????

Does the SLK have the same brakes, suspension, Navagation System, etc. as the SL???? I dunno.

If it does, then there is merit in upgrading...........if not, well, then.......................go fish.

Dave

absent

That "little girl" carries a really big stick...

Tuskir

Obviously the SLK is a completely different car with a different chassis, so all the components like brakes and suspension are totally different. Everything is tuned by AMG like the SL55, and the stock SLK55 actually outperforms the SL55 in terms of brakes and handling. In the Fifth Gear track comparison, stock SLK55 was only 0.3 seconds slower around the track than SL55. This was mostly due to SL55's superior power (due to supercharger). What I'm saying is that you can add the supercharger to the SLK55 and it will still cost WAY less than the SL55. Also, you guys should check out a video of the supercharged SLK55 running neck to neck with the new Z06 on the highway... very impressive!

Murtaza

I know it's been said a million times but the SLK looks far to

That and the voided warranty on an 85k ride, no thanks

If i wanted cheap power, i'd get a Z06...

Tuskir

There is a video of the supercharged SLK55 running neck to neck with a Z06 on the highway. With the Kleemann SLK55 you get a car that is as fast as a Z06 and as luxurious as the SL55 for 85k... not a bad deal I think. The warranty argument is valid, however, a lot of people void their SL55 warranty anyway by changing pullies, ecu, etc.

vraa

It's your choice, you want to do it, do it.
I'm just thankful we have a choice!

Ted Baldwin

.........kleemann supercharged fully loaded C55 is faster, lighter and much less expensive than an S55. My point is that you can go on with this analysis for ever. SL55 is worth more because of its intrinsic value. The blue book value, trade-in value or retail or whole value for the SL55 is more. The Kleemann s/c adds no value to your car. The SLK55 with the Kleemann s/c is not worth more on the open market than a stock SLK55.

.........people might prefer and thus give more value to the SL55 because other subjective reasons. Some might prefer the more muscular look of the SL55 compared to the girlie look of the sLK55. Some might prefer the prestige of the SL55 and thus give it more value. Bottom line, buy the car you like and enjoy it. There WILL BE another car better, faster, more expensive than yours. They WILL even be other cars slower than yours that others will like much more than yours.

Ted

Acez

the kleemann c55 beat the lambo murcielago in quarter mile drag.unbelieveable.

a little question to you guys, if the SL has all the "muscular looks", why it appears as the top 10 gayest car in the web?

SuperDave

That is easy,

The car exherts enough Charisma to suggest a Giant Streamlined Dick Slicing Thru The Air.............that would appeal to a gay person, imo.

Tuskir

Ted, you can compare the C55 with E55, but certainly not S55 since its a whole different car for a different purpose. Furthermore SLK55 is much closer to the SL55 than C55 is to E55 in terms of useability and purpose. Both are 2-seat hardtop roadsters with nearly the same interior room and comfort levels. E55 (or S55), on the other hand, is far more comfortable and offers much more back seat room that C55 (can seat 5 in E55, unlike 4 in the C55).
And as far as performance goes, even Mercedes knows how close the SLK55 is to SL55, why else would they claim 0-60 for SLK55 as 4.8 and SL55 as 4.4, when in reality, both achieve 4.3 seconds? How can you compare this to C55 VS E55 VS S55 situation? Does C55 post the same 0-60 times as E55 stock? I think not. Now imagine what SLK55 can do with a supercharger! We're talking easy sub 4sec and mid 11's all day long, while also providing all the same features as SL55. All for way less cash.

Murtaza

Great, 85k to stay neck to neck with a Z06 that costs 10k less and is under full warranty and imo, looks better.

Also, ECU flashing doesn't void warranty iirc...


Those lists are as dumb as the people that believe them

Tuskir

And your 120,00$ SL55 gets whooped by a $75,000 Z06 like its standing still (nevermind, you have an SL500, which gets whooped by just about anything). At least SLK55 can compete with Z06 and is only slightly more expensive. Not to mention that SLK55 is a hardtop roadster with an interior that is as good as an SL55 and the Z06 is just a cheap corvette with a big engine.


P.S. And pulley/ecu does void your warranty. Mercedes could care less if you blow up your engine due to higher boost from pulley/ecu or an aftermarket kompressor, you're screwed either way. Changing ECU without pulley makes no sense, and 99% of people who flash ECU do pulley as well.

blazinginder

agreed...its just not for me, too small for my taste....i'd buy an SL550 over an SLK55...thats just me...i value looks more than power in this case...if i want a beast id just get a 4door AMG sleeper

Ted Baldwin

........if you want an SLK55, then get one. Don't try to justify it to others, because not everyone is as enamored with it as you are. An SLK55 with a Kleemann s/c is faster than an Gallardo, but many prefer a Gallardo and will pay more for it. Many people likewise prefer the SL55. Infact the SLK55 with a Kleemann s/c is probably as fast as an SLR..........well, you get the point.

Ted

Tuskir

I would pick a gallardo myself over an SLK55 if I could afford one. Its pure sex on wheels and will be faster on track and more fun to drive. You make it seem like a "supra vs ferrari" argument when the supra guys claim how their cars will destroy a ferrari, while the ferrari guys claiming how their cars are so much better overall and a supra is a cheap POS. Well, in this case, its not a "supra vs ferrari" argument. We are comparing two nearly identical cars. Both are 2-seat hardtop roadsters with the same features, from the same manufacturer, with the same quality and the same engine. One is a little bigger, other a little smaller. But, you're right, if I like the car I shouldn't have to justify my decision. I'm just failing to understand why SL55 (and only SL500/55, not SL600/65) costs so much more money than SLK55, thats all. No offense to the SL55 guys was intended...

vraa

The SL55 costs more than the SLK55 for the same reason the S55 costs more than a C55.

Murtaza

So you drive around just to beat other cars to 60? What a sad life you have there

Good luck.

Tuskir

Of course not, but If I can have a faster car that offers the same exact features, the same quality, and is cheaper, I'll take it. Not to mention the fact that I like to take my cars to the drag strip once in a while...

vraa

You don't get the same features. The Air-scarf doesn't exist on the R230. The slower roof is on the R171. The R230 is a much bigger car (at least seems like it anyways).

You're talking about two different classes here, you can compare them, but to try to justify the SLK55 whooping around the SL55 is kinda foolish because the arguement isn't worth anything.

It's like the owner of a C55 talking smack about the S55. What purpose does it have except to stroke ego's? In the end of the day, the S-Class (parallel this to the SL) is a larger car, and to some eyes more comfortable. You just have to find the car that's right for you at any given time.

SuperDave

The SL 55 AMG is the easiest car to drive fast on the street............in real-world terms/situations............that I have ever driven........much less owned.

Power is effortless.

Car's Driver input/fedbaCK is superb.

Rado works..........

140-150 is like 80 in my Supercharged Ford F-150 Pick-Up.........and that truck will run 140MPH up top.........(Procharger-10 lbs. boost) and is well tuned..........

But, a Haywagon of a Truck is not a Race-Car and my Ford is a Haywagon at 130 or more.....................the AMG is pure adrenelin on wheels.........130 is warm-up speed, IMO............

Input????????

jmf003

I cross shopped the SL55 and SLK55 and expected to prefer the SLK55 because of its superior handling. I wound up preferring the SL55 because to my eye, ear, and touch it had a vastly better cabin and the handling was decent enough. For me, an SL55 is worth every penny it costs above and beyond the price of an SLK.

But that's me. If the cars seem nearly identical to you in terms of form, feature, and function then the SLK is the right choice for you. Go buy one, mod the heck out of it, and report your results back here.

vraa

Ahem, actually the correct spot would be the SLK55 forum...