Hi there,

I think I have decided to go with an SL roadster as my weekend fun car.

However, the tough part has been trying to choose between the twin turbo SL600 or SL55. Both cars have their pros and cons and I thought I would ask the experts here who might have considerable seat time with both vehicles.

Basically, what I want is a luxurious sporty handling convertible with lots of power to destroy most cars on the road from a stoplight. I have driven several SL55's and like the overall handling (considering how heavy it is) and power and love the exhaust sound. I think my only complaint are the brakes which are so so, even though the AMG brakes are huge.

I know the SL600 is A LOT faster in stock form and has A LOT more horsepower potential from a simple ECU/TCU upgrade versus the 55. However, I have my concerns that the handling will disappoint me, since the SL55's handling abilities are bare minimum for me. I also like the AMG seats better in the 55 than the SL600's more luxurious chairs and the appearance of the sport package is a plus as well on the 55, which I believe is optional on the SL600.

HOWEVER, I just can't stop thinking about a twin turbo V12 engine with a Renntech ECU installed. From the posts I have read, it appears modded SL600's should be able to easily outrun a modded SL55. I want to go out and beat up on my buddy's chipped 997 turbo and I don't know how easy it will be with a modded SL55. Also, the SL600 is cheaper to buy, which is a another plus.

How much difference is there in handling between these 2 cars? Is there anything that can be done to make the exhaust of the SL600 sound beefier? I have a friend with an SL55 with headers, resonator delete and sport mufflers and it sounds bad a$$.

Which car do you guys think is better for the sport oriented driver, but who also wants lots of power?

Thanks

 

the brakes on the SL600 are even smaller than the SL55's... so if you dont like it on the SL55...

You can do a straight pipe exhaust on the SL600 to make it sound meaner, but it'll still be a softer ride. So if you are mostly just interested in straight line speed, sure go for the SL600. Debadge it, get a new exhaust, and the AMG rear tail lights (since i think the others are ugly), a ECU/TCU tune, and you are set.

 

If you already have one M113 powered AMG, then why not try something new and step up to an M275. The SL55 is a sportier package all around, with those gorgeous AMG tail lights and one of the meanest exhaust notes seen on a stock production car. The 600 is another league of performance though, especially when tuned. I could sit here and write you a thesis comparing both cars, but the absolute best way to compare to cars is to go out and see both for yourself, including thorough test drives. That way, you can physically determine which is right for you.

 

Errrrr.... no.

 

I like each car better than the other for the following reasons:

SL55
1. Sportier handling, but how much more is the question?
2. Awesome exhaust note. I love the muscle car sounds this car makes
3. More raw power delivery
4. Sportier bodywork and seats

SL600
The only positive (but a huge one in my book) to me of the SL600 versus the SL55 is the massive power it makes and its much faster acceleration, though I wish it had more drama while doing its job. Also, the ability to chip it and bring it up to SL65 power levels is a huge plus too.

 

Trust your instincts. You won't be disappointed.

 

You forgot to quote the "especially when tuned" part my friend. A more aggressive map and you have a car that traps over 120 mph. Stock is a little over 115. That motor makes stupid power out of the box and nets even more ridiculous gains with basic modifications. Can't touch the sound of an SL55 though.

 

I have an SL55 and have driven enough 600s that have come through for tuning, and for me the SL55 is the better overall performance package. The brakes are good, but are upgradable through Brembo, the chassis is set up for better handling, and from a tuning side there is plenty of fun to be had.

The 600s can easily be tuned for big power, but I have found that the engines are fairly sensitive and require a bit more TLC than the 55s.

I have been to the track many times with the 55 and when I am out in the instructor group the only car that I have any trouble with is a well driven Z06.

If you are really into more than just drag racing, I thing you will find that the SL55 might suit your needs better.

 

No comparison. The V12 is just that. It's one of the smoothest powerplants in the world with tremendous power and refinement. The V8 is crude by comparison. Top dog Ferraris and Lambos have V12s. Their entry level cars are V8s. No comparing a Chevy Nova sounding SL55 with a TTV12. As for people talking about chassis, they all have same chassis, same wishbones, etc. They're just tuned differently. Also, the SL600 has a far nicer appointed interior. E.g., leather dash, wood and leather steering wheel, etc. No vinyl! The SL55 has vinyl unless optioned for leather door panels, dash, etc. There's a reason why the V12s cost more than the V8s and why the V8s are a dime a dozen!

 

+1

I prefer the 55, lighter, handles better, incredible exhaust note + supercharger whine and of course the built in aesthetics (quad exhaust, tailights, amg kit). 030 is even better, alcantara steering wheel, 186mph limiter, 2 piece rotors and the 65 front bumper. Of course when it comes to tuning the 600 is a monster and will blow the 55 out of the water...

That said I would roll a 65 anyday

 

Vinyl interior standard on an SL55? Uh, no, that would not be correct.

While the V12TT is an outstanding engine, the V8 is no slouch. Mercedes' "top dog" car (the SLR) runs a V8 based on the same engine block as the SL55. The expected replacement for that car (the SLC) is expected to also run on a V8, a variant of the 6.2 L AMG engine.

 

As far as I can see the V12TT's are even cheaper than the V8s, and more readily available.

 

Actually, front brakes on my car are huge. I haven't gotten a ruler to them yet (don't keep one handy hehe) but MB claims they are both 14.2 inches in diameter for both the SL55 and SL600. I have never driven an SL55, but the SL600 is a daily driver of mine and a monster. After a year with it though, I can tell you I am ready for something else. I test-drove an S63 of a buddy of mine, and somehow that huge tank of a car felt more of a handler than my more-compact, lower-slung SL. Also, in light of the newer top-of-the-line MBs, the 07 SL interior is starting to show its age and looking a lot more plasticy. My car does not even have the leather-covered top portion of the instrument binnacle. Also, the wood-covered steering wheel is starting to look out of place, especially after I have seen the interior of the FL SLs.

But, you are looking for handling and speed. I am not much of a person to drive in evasive maneuvers. On a car costing as much as this, and with this much power, it is irresponsible for me to endanger some poor soul that happens to be around, and I have no desire to spend dough on changing tires and brakes and go to the track. So mine is the opinion of someone who, were it not for my knowledge on these cars, would have been as happy in an SL500/550 (interior looks the exact same).

I am actually looking hard at the S550s coming in the used market; S600 if I find a decent one for reasonable price and can factor a Sport Package implant. Though, CLS-es tempt me just as much.

 

SL 55 AMG all the way ..... dont like the sl 600 ... built for old retire men . if ur young , trust me 55 is the better car to have fun in . not slow at all ... i keep up with everything out there .

 

I have found that tampons fit better in the trunk of the 600!

 

Man your a JOKE! you'll be in my rearview all day long w/my STOCK 450-480 RWHP & 530-550 RWTO they under rate these 600 TT engines to a huge degree

That equates to 548-585 CRANK OR BHP & 646-670 CRANK OR BRAKE TORQUE
Also the SL600 comes w/the exact same HUGE AMG CALIPERS there just re-labled Mercedes Add straight pipes & the 600 sounds like an off shore cigarette racing boat. (Though I do prefer the blower whine & growl of the 55k)

Add ECU/TCU & there is ABSOLUTELY NO comparo in speed PERIOD.. RENNtech/Kleemann squeeze 520+ RWHP & 715 RWTO outt've these 600's you need to run a stock or modded 600 TT & then open your trap

You also can get the SL600 w/AMG BODY & add QUAD AMG tips like I did, I love the appearance of the AMG badging/taillights/quad tip exhaust/ But drove both SL55 vs SL600 and the power delivery & krazzee TORQUE esp from a frwy roll, are night & day. The only comprimise for me would be an SL65 AMG

 

You sir are a deuche! I bet you've found lots of places for tampons to fit

 

SL600 is definitely the way to go, there is just no comparison between a supercharged V8 and a twin-turbo V12. And as some have mentioned, SL600's power is underrated and actually makes about 550hp/630b-ft torque in stock form, so it will leave SL55 in the dust.

 

Average RWTO is 530-540 with .18% driveline loss equates to 646-658 Crank Torque. Here's VRP/Vadim's reults from BONE STOCK/down to the paper air filters, old man's 600 V12 TT motor
And another MB member...Another... "Metallica" dynoed on Dynodynamic vs Dynojet, Dynodynamics usually read about 20 rwhp 20 rwto LOWER, there = to Mustang dyno..


Another w/Dyno proof...
Also please show me any STOCK SL55 w/ANY aftermarket tire set-up that can do this..
Note: this is the heavier 4800+ lb S600 not the 4500+lb SL600...

Here's a couple of the FASTER HEAVILY MODDED SL55's From MBworld for comparo..

& "jmf003" comments on the mods from the SL55's in post above..

So who's faster again? STOCK VS STOCK Hmmmmmm........ Ohh I know the BONE STOCK 600 TT old mans car w/tampons in the trunk no-less

 

I realize that the SL600 is the faster of the two, but how much does the handling differ between the two?

For example, if the SL55 were a 10 (scale of 1 to 10) where would the SL600 rank strictly from a handling perspective?

It would be great to hear from someone has driven both somewhat aggressively.

Thanks

 

I would easily give handling nod to SL55, stiffer AMG suspension setting, though both share ABC (Active Body Control) + the SL55 weighs a bit less around 200 odd lbs.... If you lower the SL600 & leave it in Sport mode setting it would be closer.. but still slight edge to SL55 in handling.

Both are over all pigs in this dept, they are big heavy torque demons

 

Im a joke ? um...... NO!!! ur a wanna be . plain and simple . stick to the 600 look . stop ricing ur car out , OLD GEEEZER


my 55 would blow ur 600 anyday ..... i could care less wat stock # say .. its called money does wounders too cars . and with better control . my beast would destroy ur ugly 600 in any way .

str8 pipes LOL who does that ??? 17yr olds hahahaa

 

Guys, we've kind of drifted off from the OP's questions, which were:

That points to the SL600 with R compound tires. The SL600 has more power than the SL55 in stock form and is easier and cheaper to mod. R compound tires will give you more traction at launch.

Better tires will also help minimize braking distances.

The SL600 is around 200 lbs heavier than the SL55 and all the weight is in the nose. Most people can't tell or don't care about the difference. Some can and do.

Reducing the unsprung mass (lighter wheels, lighter rotors, lighter calipers) will make either car handle better.

However, at the end of the day the SL600 is always going to be slightly more nose heavy than the SL55.

Yep, me too.

I think its more accurate to say that the SL600 will reach higher power levels more easily and cheaply than the SL55.

If you look at the Dragtimes numbers (here: http://www.dragtimes.com/Mercedes-Be...ag-Racing.html and here: http://www.dragtimes.com/Mercedes-Be...ag-Racing.html) you'll see there's an SL55 with NOS that can run with the SL600 Renntechs. But it took a full Evosport upgrade package and NOS to get there. Add NOS to the SL600 and it'll be faster.

At the end of the day, no matter how much power you add to an SL55 engine, an SL600 engine can be made more powerful for less money.

Yep. Here: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-sl63-amg-sl65-amg-r230/252098-anybody-w-sl65-sl600-needs-have-straight-pipes.html


Hope that helps. Good luck with your decision!

 

Yes you're a CLOWN! the only way you will blow me away is to a)Buy an SL600 & chip it, before I chip mine B)Buy an SL65

But you can't afford either lol. your CHEAP HEAVY SLOW FAKE EBAY CHROME REPLICA WHEELS on your older beat up 100,000 + mile 2003 sl55 will keep you in my rearview eternally....

Me old? I guess if 35 is an old geezer sign me up

Seriously can't you READ? The STOCK S600/CL600 would put a whoppin on you! it weighs 300 + pounds more than my SL600 go review the above data Canadian CLOWNBOY

Please find any member here w/ stock SL55 to run me on the frwy/closed road etc.. I guarantee it will loose...

 

Ok thats enough bull**** for one thread.

I have had 2 random run in's with 600's, they are faster indeed but by a hair. I raced one on crown valley parkway and he pulled hardly half a carlength to 80 from a dig. Faster yes, 550hp in stock form, retardedly overrated.