SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Sl55 Vs 996tt
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From: S.C.
M-3 Conv./ 996tt/GS1150
Sl55 Vs 996tt
I just sold my 996TT and I am enjoying my M-3 SMG conv. until my allocation arrives next year for an SL55.
It now appears Porsche will be making a 996TT cabrio; although it will have a soft top.
How would you guys (especially those with prior Porsche 996TT experience) rate the two overall.
BTW my TT was a 6 speed, but I have also driven the Tiptronic.
It now appears Porsche will be making a 996TT cabrio; although it will have a soft top.
How would you guys (especially those with prior Porsche 996TT experience) rate the two overall.
BTW my TT was a 6 speed, but I have also driven the Tiptronic.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Bay Area
Sold my 996 TT for the SL 55 also
Thats a tough one since I've only driven the SL 500...My 55 is coming probably in January - February '02...
Porsche bought back my 2001 TT after the second engine had more problems, and I gave up. What really was a pain were all the rattles. Mine was a stick also. Loved the torque and suspension. I don't think the handling will compare, except for the ABC, which is the wild card. My S500 is a boat, but the E55 is tight and fun.
Porsche bought back my 2001 TT after the second engine had more problems, and I gave up. What really was a pain were all the rattles. Mine was a stick also. Loved the torque and suspension. I don't think the handling will compare, except for the ABC, which is the wild card. My S500 is a boat, but the E55 is tight and fun.
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From: New Jersey
2003 S500 4-matic, 2003 SL55
M-3 SMG convHa
Ha John (SC) what is the trans like is that car, is it one of those new variable speed stick shifts that BMW is saying all trans will be like in the future. Not sure if I even know exactily how it works. I like u am waiting for a SL55 but do not have another sweet machine like that bimmer to drive while I wait. Had a friend with a M3 that car was sweet, but I think that the SL55 is going to be something special. Can not wait
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2000 S500
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2000 S500
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From: S.C.
M-3 Conv./ 996tt/GS1150
Thanks very much for the two replies (so far). I agree the SL-55 will be something special, my main concern is the rather heavy weight of the car, and how much it compromises the sporty feel we are all after. I am not asking for the raw performance numbers as those are not my primary consideration, and besides I get most of the magazines anyway; that's why I would like to hear from those that have driven both the new SL-55 and the 996TT which provides a good point of reference.
Pass, I did not have any problems with my '01 TT in ten thousand miles, sorry to hear of your experience.
Mookie, the SMG is simply an electrohydraulic actuation of the very same six speed transmission and clutch as the manual car.
I like it very much, but it does take about five hundred miles or so of use to learn. The auto, which I use about ten percent of the time, comes in handy during stop and go etc...the rest of the time I use the padles which, IMO do not detract from the feeling of control of the conventional manual, while adding several levels of performance. (The current Road & Track mag. has a good short review).
BTW, while in Paris six weeks ago, I came across an SL-55 (silver/ grey) at the Avis lot a block from my hotel. Yes it was a rental, unfortunately I was leaving the next morning or I would have rented it for the day.
Pass, I did not have any problems with my '01 TT in ten thousand miles, sorry to hear of your experience.
Mookie, the SMG is simply an electrohydraulic actuation of the very same six speed transmission and clutch as the manual car.
I like it very much, but it does take about five hundred miles or so of use to learn. The auto, which I use about ten percent of the time, comes in handy during stop and go etc...the rest of the time I use the padles which, IMO do not detract from the feeling of control of the conventional manual, while adding several levels of performance. (The current Road & Track mag. has a good short review).
BTW, while in Paris six weeks ago, I came across an SL-55 (silver/ grey) at the Avis lot a block from my hotel. Yes it was a rental, unfortunately I was leaving the next morning or I would have rented it for the day.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Italy
ML400cdi and SL55amg
I've got a 996tt from february 01 to may 01 and I've sold it to take a AUDI RS4. Now I've a SL55.
3.000 Km with 996tt and 3.000 km with a SL55.
This is my personal opinion concerning material things not "emotion" like style or "feelings":
Breakes: 996tt: 10/10 SL55: 9/10 RS4: 7/10
Consuption: " 8/10 4/10 6/10
Handling < 100 Kmh: 8/10 7,5/10 7,5/10
Handling > 100 Kmh: 8/10 9/10 9/10
Gear: 9/10 8,5/10 7/10
Suspension: 8/10 9/10 8/10
Stability > 220 kmh: 7/10 9/10 9/10
Steering sensibility: 8/10 9/10 9/10
I avoid to insert quotations about image, acceleration, or something else.
996tt was perfect for gear and consumption but not so good about high speed feeling (I feel the rear "go out" on a curve or the front go up over 220 kmh).
I never go back to a 996tt.
Bye
Andrea
3.000 Km with 996tt and 3.000 km with a SL55.
This is my personal opinion concerning material things not "emotion" like style or "feelings":
Breakes: 996tt: 10/10 SL55: 9/10 RS4: 7/10
Consuption: " 8/10 4/10 6/10
Handling < 100 Kmh: 8/10 7,5/10 7,5/10
Handling > 100 Kmh: 8/10 9/10 9/10
Gear: 9/10 8,5/10 7/10
Suspension: 8/10 9/10 8/10
Stability > 220 kmh: 7/10 9/10 9/10
Steering sensibility: 8/10 9/10 9/10
I avoid to insert quotations about image, acceleration, or something else.
996tt was perfect for gear and consumption but not so good about high speed feeling (I feel the rear "go out" on a curve or the front go up over 220 kmh).
I never go back to a 996tt.
Bye
Andrea
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
Then factor in the vastly superior interior of the SL55 (the 911 looks so OLD and TIRED these days), the convertible, the stunning design, it's clear IMHO the SL55 is the better car. It will not always be so, but for a couple of years, it's difficult to see what might come along and humiliate the SL55.
My dealer is talking about Friday or Saturday. I'm not sleeping much, that's for sure.
My dealer is talking about Friday or Saturday. I'm not sleeping much, that's for sure.
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From: Italy
ML400cdi and SL55amg
What I mean, DAN, and the problem for me is to explain in english (write english) is that when I take a turn on a highway/expressway or mountain road or coast road (all DRY no rain or wet) the weight distribution of SL is much better then 996 (and this is quite obiuvsly cause 996 have the engine "outside" the wheel).
Around Milan (Italy) there is (like everywhere) an expressway. With the 996, taking a turn over 140/160 I felt the rear at my side ("oversteer" it's a possible term ?). This is not with SL or RS4.
Over 220 I felt the front take over like an airplane or a boat. You feel the steering soft not hard as you need. This was confirm from some other people that is usual for a porsche having this.
I test SL at 250 and RS4 at 295, believe, the sterring is perfect.
Bye
Andrea
Around Milan (Italy) there is (like everywhere) an expressway. With the 996, taking a turn over 140/160 I felt the rear at my side ("oversteer" it's a possible term ?). This is not with SL or RS4.
Over 220 I felt the front take over like an airplane or a boat. You feel the steering soft not hard as you need. This was confirm from some other people that is usual for a porsche having this.
I test SL at 250 and RS4 at 295, believe, the sterring is perfect.
Bye
Andrea
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1M, F550M, F550B, F40, S600, 365GTC, DBSx2, etc.
Andrea,
Thanks for the clarification. That's very impressive, and means that the electrickery is doing its job tryign to compensate for the extreme weight.
Good to hear.
--Dan
Thanks for the clarification. That's very impressive, and means that the electrickery is doing its job tryign to compensate for the extreme weight.
Good to hear.
--Dan
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 180
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From: Lugano, Switzerland
2007 CL 550
As a former 996TT that switched to an SL 55 one month ago and has logged 2,5K Kilometers with it:
Confort: SL wins
build quality: SL wins by a mile
straight acceleration: SL wins
breaking power: even, although the SL offers better modulation
wet driving performance: 996 wins by a mile
high tech charm factor: SL wins
day to day usability: even
fuel consumption (for those who care): 996 wins
handling: 996 wins by a mile
In brief in a theoretical race between the two cars, the 996 would win in the curvy strechtes and the SL would zoom away in the straights that are in between.
Furthermore:
The SL costs slightly less (at list price), is much better equipped and is a copué/convertible combination, and looks much fresher.
Ladies (in my case my wife and my two daughters, tend to love the SL more).
sould I buy a Cayenne and ditch my 430 TE?
Confort: SL wins
build quality: SL wins by a mile
straight acceleration: SL wins
breaking power: even, although the SL offers better modulation
wet driving performance: 996 wins by a mile
high tech charm factor: SL wins
day to day usability: even
fuel consumption (for those who care): 996 wins
handling: 996 wins by a mile
In brief in a theoretical race between the two cars, the 996 would win in the curvy strechtes and the SL would zoom away in the straights that are in between.
Furthermore:
The SL costs slightly less (at list price), is much better equipped and is a copué/convertible combination, and looks much fresher.
Ladies (in my case my wife and my two daughters, tend to love the SL more).
sould I buy a Cayenne and ditch my 430 TE?
Last edited by davidegai; Sep 28, 2002 at 10:47 AM.
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It Varies
Originally posted by davidegai
[B
sould I buy a Cayenne and ditch my 430 TE? [/B]
[B
sould I buy a Cayenne and ditch my 430 TE? [/B]
Supercharged SL55 and Twin Turbo Porsche Cayenne in the Garage.....not too shabby.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 180
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From: Lugano, Switzerland
2007 CL 550
That's what I'm thinking. I am going to visit the new factory and test drive one in December 2nd. I can get one in January if I decide so. Switzerland has a policy of no wait for cars, in order not to forster those ridiculous overcharges of US dealers, that in my humble opinion will destroy the industry
Member
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Posts: 78
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From: Italy
ML400cdi and SL55amg
Personally I don't like Cayenne but probably this is due to the picture I've seen on the specialized press.
For family I find perfect ML400cdi or ML500, they are fast, confortable and looks good (not impressive the internal quality).
I've learn a starting price (for turbo S) of 103.000 € and for me this is to much for a "family car", If You don't need a SUV, I'l immediately take a RS6.
Bye
Andrea
For family I find perfect ML400cdi or ML500, they are fast, confortable and looks good (not impressive the internal quality).
I've learn a starting price (for turbo S) of 103.000 € and for me this is to much for a "family car", If You don't need a SUV, I'l immediately take a RS6.
Bye
Andrea
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Posts: 78
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From: Italy
ML400cdi and SL55amg
Davide,
the difference between euro price and chf prive is VAT (17,5% for You and 20% for us) and probably something concerning optionals.
Why You didn't consider a RS6?. You have less space for luggage but probably less problem driving on a mountain street.
You have seen my private mail concerning driving test in VARANO, I'm looking to book the circuit for a october morning or afternoon.
I'll let you know the details when I received the confirmation.
There will be:
2 or 3 RS4, 1 (probably) M3, 2 996tt (1 is a new 996tts - 450 cv) and me.
Please don't leave me alone).
Ciao
Andrea
the difference between euro price and chf prive is VAT (17,5% for You and 20% for us) and probably something concerning optionals.
Why You didn't consider a RS6?. You have less space for luggage but probably less problem driving on a mountain street.
You have seen my private mail concerning driving test in VARANO, I'm looking to book the circuit for a october morning or afternoon.
I'll let you know the details when I received the confirmation.
There will be:
2 or 3 RS4, 1 (probably) M3, 2 996tt (1 is a new 996tts - 450 cv) and me.
Please don't leave me alone
).Ciao
Andrea
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 180
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From: Lugano, Switzerland
2007 CL 550
I have sent you an E-mail but your E-mail does not seem to work. Try to contact me at davidegai@hotmail.com
Ciao
Davide
Ciao
Davide
