SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 vs SL600
Last edited by Addicted2Speed; Apr 18, 2007 at 06:12 PM.

Last edited by Addicted2Speed; Apr 18, 2007 at 10:13 PM.
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The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Last edited by xecution; Apr 18, 2007 at 10:57 PM.

.It looks to me like you are in denial that SL600 is much faster than your SL55 and you need some way to justify your purchase decision. Here's something interesting I've found for you, a dyno of a Renntech chipped SL600 (1st pic) and a kleemann k2 Sl55 (2nd pic). Thats 200lb-ft more torque at the wheels difference between them. Even with mods, it looks like SL55 can't break 12-seconds in the 1/4 mile, while SL600 has no problem running low 11's all day (plenty of proof on dragtimes and other sources, see for yourself).
Last edited by Addicted2Speed; Apr 18, 2007 at 11:40 PM.
If someone gave me an SL600, I'd sell it and buy an SL55. That is, if I didn't already own one. No few number of SL600 owners think the exact opposite. Both points of view have some merit.
The interiors are slightly different. Which is better is basically a matter of individual taste.
The SL600 has a slightly more powerful engine. It's heavier though, which adversely affects handling. Evo's tests at the Bedford Autodrome aside, in most track or slalom comparisons the Sl55 runs faster than the SL600.
For example, here's a compilation of lap times at Hockenheim: http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?vie...ID=0&tID=10306. Every SL55 run listed (1:15.9, 1:16.5, 1:16.524, 1:16.9) is faster than every SL600 run listed (1:17.488, 1:17.6, 1:29.524).
The only real solution is to test drive both at length and pick the one that suits you best. There really is no wrong choice. Have fun!
For whatever reason, there aren't many posted track numbers for the SL600. E.g. I've never seen an SL600 Nürburgring time to compare to the SL55's 8:06 and 8:12 times. However, in every comparable set of track or slalom numbers I've seen other than Evo's two runs at Bedford, the SL55 was faster.
That said, if you've seen and are willing to share data that shows otherwise, I'd be happy to stand corrected.
http://videos.streetfire.net/categor...5832841dbd.htm
.It looks to me like you are in denial that SL600 is much faster than your SL55 and you need some way to justify your purchase decision. Here's something interesting I've found for you, a dyno of a Renntech chipped SL600 (1st pic) and a kleemann k2 Sl55 (2nd pic). Thats 200lb-ft more torque at the wheels difference between them. Even with mods, it looks like SL55 can't break 12-seconds in the 1/4 mile, while SL600 has no problem running low 11's all day (plenty of proof on dragtimes and other sources, see for yourself).
For whatever reason, there aren't many posted track numbers for the SL600. E.g. I've never seen an SL600 Nürburgring time to compare to the SL55's 8:06 and 8:12 times. However, in every comparable set of track or slalom numbers I've seen other than Evo's two runs at Bedford, the SL55 was faster.
That said, if you've seen and are willing to share data that shows otherwise, I'd be happy to stand corrected.
Last edited by Addicted2Speed; Apr 19, 2007 at 02:21 AM.
The SL600 with multiple low 11 runs on Dragtimes has an Eisenhaus exhaust in addition to the Renntech mods: http://www.scottsdaleexoticcarclub.com/2004sl600rt.html There's no SL55 with a similar level of mods for us to compare. There are E55s with a similar level of mods, though, and they run mid 11s.
Also, the SL55 doesn't come with better tires than the SL600. OEM tires on the 55 are PZero Rossos. Sl600s come with the same tires or the slightly gripper Michelin Pilot Sports.
And it's not just Hockenheim where the SL55 is faster; it's everywhere other than the Evo tests. For example, I've attached a copy of Sport Auto's test results. Same driver, same day, head-to-head, the SL55 is faster in the slalom in addition to being faster at Hockenheim.
All that said, it's fine with me if you or anyone else likes the SL600 better than the SL55. There are plenty of good reasons to like an SL600.
The 2 cars are styled different. The SL55 is much sportier and aggressive. The SL600 is more low key.
If you are into drag racing or modding, the SL600 is definitely the best option.
If you want a car that is still very fast, flashy, and aggressive then get the SL55.
After driving the SL55 for 2 years, it is a great car with pleasing acceleration and the handling on it is suprising for the weight. I'd personally get the 600 with sport package and RennTech it just because I can't pass up the fact that a luxury convertible can hit low 11's in the 1/4 mile.
haul, the head of Sales at the Merz Dealership where I purchased my -55 indicated BEFORE I bought my car that a twin-turbo would break a rich man in maintenance costs once the warranty runs out............
I bought the -55 and Renntech modded it............it's a fun car......and so far, it has taken everything I can throw at it with a yawn and seems to ask me.........."Is that as fast as you want to go today, sir??"
Dave



and it's a wrap