SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 2008 SL 600 vs 55 & 65
06-01-2008, 02:29 AM
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2008 SL 600 vs 55 & 65
I'm interested in a 2008 SL, but now that the 2009's are here it will be harder for me to test drive all 4 models, let alone drive them on extended trips. I've already eliminated the 2008 SL 550, but I still wonder how the SL 600 compares to the 55 & 65? I mean, they seem so similar, are there any major differences...Who were each built for? (I'm no track racer) Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks. 
06-01-2008, 10:20 AM
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I'm interested in a 2008 SL, but now that the 2009's are here it will be harder for me to test drive all 4 models, let alone drive them on extended trips. I've already eliminated the 2008 SL 550, but I still wonder how the SL 600 compares to the 55 & 65? I mean, they seem so similar, are there any major differences...Who were each built for? (I'm no track racer) Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.
The SL55 came first and it was the AMG of the V8 R230s. Compared to the SL500, the SL55 was significantly more powerful with stronger brakes, a more firm suspension, and the somewhat edge-ier AMG body styling.
The SL600 came shortly afterward and it was the V12 of the R230s. As the V12, it had to be noticeably faster than the V8 SL500 but MB didn't really want it to be faster than the SL55. MB tweaked the ECU to limit power but that also made the SL600 a modder's dream because simple ECU tuning could unlock more power.
The SL65 came last and it was the AMG of the V12 R230s. Compared to the SL600, the SL65 was significantly more powerful with stronger brakes, a more firm suspension, and the somewhat edge-ier AMG body styling.
In terms of your decision, if you want the most powerful car of the bunch that would be the SL65. A stock SL65 is noticeably faster than both the SL600 and SL55.
The SL55 handles slightly better than the other two because its a couple of hundred pounds lighter and the difference in mass is pretty much all on the front end. The difference is slight enough that some people swear there is no difference at all.
The SL600 is the sleeper of the group. In stock form, it's slightly faster than the SL55 but it a simple ECU flash will make it about as fast as a stock SL65.
Differences aside, they are all very much heavy grand touring cars rather than light sports cars. While they can be wrestled around a track at surprisingly high speeds, they are really at their best on the open road, top-down, on a sunny day. And for that kind of driving, they are all very similar.
I wonder whose totalled car that is in the pic? What happpened?
06-02-2008, 02:21 AM
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2003-E55 2011-C63 2016-C63S
I have read that the 63 guzzles fuel if you are having a real go. Hence MB already works on a replacement. I also believe the 55 engine was discontinued as new euro pedestrian collision laws enforced that the top of the engine should be a specified distance from the hood so when the hood crumpled on impact with a pedestrian their head would not impact with the unforgiving engine. As the supercharger on the 55 engines sits tall a new engine had to be found. Thats what I read. It could be BS but it sounds plausible to me.
The 63 equals the 55 in performance but is very thirsty, which today is a consideration for most.
Having said that I would want the new shape if it were me so
The 63 equals the 55 in performance but is very thirsty, which today is a consideration for most.
Having said that I would want the new shape if it were me so
06-02-2008, 06:30 AM
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2007 Väth SL65 AMG. 2007 BMW Alpina B5s. 2007 BMW M6.
Well, it's definitely an exercise in niche marketing.
The SL55 came first and it was the AMG of the V8 R230s. Compared to the SL500, the SL55 was significantly more powerful with stronger brakes, a more firm suspension, and the somewhat edge-ier AMG body styling.
The SL600 came shortly afterward and it was the V12 of the R230s. As the V12, it had to be noticeably faster than the V8 SL500 but MB didn't really want it to be faster than the SL55. MB tweaked the ECU to limit power but that also made the SL600 a modder's dream because simple ECU tuning could unlock more power.
The SL65 came last and it was the AMG of the V12 R230s. Compared to the SL600, the SL65 was significantly more powerful with stronger brakes, a more firm suspension, and the somewhat edge-ier AMG body styling.
In terms of your decision, if you want the most powerful car of the bunch that would be the SL65. A stock SL65 is noticeably faster than both the SL600 and SL55.
The SL55 handles slightly better than the other two because its a couple of hundred pounds lighter and the difference in mass is pretty much all on the front end. The difference is slight enough that some people swear there is no difference at all.
The SL600 is the sleeper of the group. In stock form, it's slightly faster than the SL55 but it a simple ECU flash will make it about as fast as a stock SL65.
Differences aside, they are all very much heavy grand touring cars rather than light sports cars. While they can be wrestled around a track at surprisingly high speeds, they are really at their best on the open road, top-down, on a sunny day. And for that kind of driving, they are all very similar.
The SL55 came first and it was the AMG of the V8 R230s. Compared to the SL500, the SL55 was significantly more powerful with stronger brakes, a more firm suspension, and the somewhat edge-ier AMG body styling.
The SL600 came shortly afterward and it was the V12 of the R230s. As the V12, it had to be noticeably faster than the V8 SL500 but MB didn't really want it to be faster than the SL55. MB tweaked the ECU to limit power but that also made the SL600 a modder's dream because simple ECU tuning could unlock more power.
The SL65 came last and it was the AMG of the V12 R230s. Compared to the SL600, the SL65 was significantly more powerful with stronger brakes, a more firm suspension, and the somewhat edge-ier AMG body styling.
In terms of your decision, if you want the most powerful car of the bunch that would be the SL65. A stock SL65 is noticeably faster than both the SL600 and SL55.
The SL55 handles slightly better than the other two because its a couple of hundred pounds lighter and the difference in mass is pretty much all on the front end. The difference is slight enough that some people swear there is no difference at all.
The SL600 is the sleeper of the group. In stock form, it's slightly faster than the SL55 but it a simple ECU flash will make it about as fast as a stock SL65.
Differences aside, they are all very much heavy grand touring cars rather than light sports cars. While they can be wrestled around a track at surprisingly high speeds, they are really at their best on the open road, top-down, on a sunny day. And for that kind of driving, they are all very similar.
Very accuratly exlplained! Could not have done it better myself!
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06-02-2008, 08:45 AM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thanks for the kind words, guys.
Dan, that's the frame for a kit car. I'm building a Factory Five GTM with my 20 year old son. It uses running gear from a C5 Corvette in a 2,400 lb mid-engine configuration. It should be fun when completed but we're only as far as wiring the electrical connections. Hence the picture of the frame on a trailer.
Here's what a completed GTM looks like.
Here's what a completed GTM looks like.
