davidegai

After driving my SL 55 for 6K, I took a test drive of the new 2003 CL 600 with the twin turbo. It totally blew my mind. Better torque, better acceleration, better everything than the SL 55. Ok no roof job, but apart from that...

I am having thoughts about turning in my SL 55 for the new CL 600. Am I getting old, tired, or may be both?

I'll sleep it off!

mookie

the numbers say otherwise, but then again u drove both and I have not

bobafett

To me it's a function of purpose - I am young and don't need the 4 seats. On top of that, I enjoy convertibles, and for daily driving purposes, the SL55 is perfect in that it's a hard-top AND a convertible.

If performance characteristics are slightly better in the CL, that doesn't bother me at all. The SL is plenty fast for everyday driving, and it's not a track / mountain twisties car in the least bit as it is. Use them for what they are and it's fine.

If you find the CL as a more practical alternative, or want to live w/o the roof - go for it. Functionally the SL fits my needs, and aesthetically (as subjective as it is), I prefer the SL again.

--Dan

Regime|Life

SL55 AMG:
Engine AMG-built supercharged 5,439-cc SOHC. 24-valve 90° V-8. High-pressure die-cast alloy cylinder block, alloy heads.

Net power 493 hp @ 6,100 rpm

Net torque 516 lb-ft @ 2,750 - 4,000 rpm

CL600:
Engine Intercooled twin-turbocharged 5,513-cc SOHC 36-valve 60° V-12. Two-piece high-pressure die-cast alloy cylinder block. Alloy heads and pistons. Die-cast magnesium cylinder head covers.

Net power 493 hp @ 5,000 rpm

Net torque 590 lb-ft @ 1,800-3,500 rpm


The CL reaches the same horsepower at 5000rpm instead of 6100rpm. Also note the torque is higher and at lower rpm's.

Also if you wonder about weight differences, the CL600 only weights 70kg more. IMO the CL600 is nicer, more power, more practical car. Though the SL just is an SL and if you gave me a choice weather I would take the CL or the SL, I would probably take the SL hehe.

benznut

NOw you have the Sl600 as a possible alternative. Same perormance, more understated, refined and luxurious than the 55. Finally my car is here ;-).

Wolfman

I am moving from a CL500 to SL55. That's an easy choice

I have heard great things about the new V12's, both in the US and Germany so here are couple of my thoughts:

It boils down to value. If you have the money and don't care about resale value or change models often, I think the CL600 is an awesome choice.

The CL in its midlife due to be replaced by the 216 body in 2006. That'll give you 3-4 years on the current body style. After that the value goes rock bottom as everyone can see from 140 bodied cars.

Also, in the US the 600 is about $15K more if you add the sport package and historically, the resale value of the V12 also drops like a rock after a couple of years whereby the AMG models show continued strong resale values.

Both in Europe and the US, people are worried about the complexities of the engine and its maintenance costs. The V8 is just a much simpler engine. In addition, in Europe (used to live in Switzerland) high insurance premiums and fuel costs further depress the value since many second hand buyers can't afford the annual costs.

I love the CL and think it is one of the most elegant designs ever but I still take a hardtop convertible for versatility.

How about waiting for the SL600 due out in another few months?

1sl55

SL 600: 800 NM of torque, 0-60 in 4,7 s, limited to 250km/h.

Extras compared to SL500: improved leather, comand, Bose sound system, CD changer. Special V12 light alloy rims, V12 emblem above the air intake.

I'll keep my SL 55 ................



From: http://www.jes-mercedes.de/indexie.htm

09.12.2002 SL 600 rundet SL-Programm ab
Im Januar 2003 feiert der SL 600 auf der Detroiter Motor Show seine Weltpremiere. Ab April 2003 wird er dann ausgeliefert. Sein V12 Motor leistet 500 PS und 800 NM zwischen 1800 und 3600 U/min. Er beschleunigt in 4,7s auf 100 km/h und wird bei einer Geschwindigkeit von 250 km/h elektronisch abgeregelt.
Die Serienausstattung des SL 600 basiert auf dem SL 500 jedoch verfügt er zudem über gerafftes Leder, Comand, Bose-Sound-System und einen CD-Wechsler. Zu erkennen ist der SL 600 an seinen V12-Leichtmetallfelgen, dem V12-Emblem in den seitlichen Luftauslässen, den silberlackierten Bremssätteln und den mit Chrom versehenen Lammellen im Grill. (Foto: DC)

1sl55

The SL 600 must be much heavier - look at the 0-60 time, significantly slower. Not what I have in mind :p

1sl55

ooops,
wrong thread. sorry

benznut

Actually the 4.7 seconds is from 0-100 kmh (0-62) and it is identical to the one claimed for the SL55. If you convert it in terms of 0-60 mph, this time is bound to drop to about 4.5 which is what SL55 is said - and is - capable of.

vraa

SL600... now i feel bad.. very very bad.. !! lol