SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Why I'm Leaving Porsche for Mercedes...
01-03-2003, 11:47 AM
#1
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Jan. '03 SL55
Why I'm Leaving Porsche for Mercedes...
Here's my story as posted on a Porsche Forum I've been using for a couple of years.
I'll have the Merc by the end of Jan and look forward to posting a comparison between the two.
Anyone wanna buy a 996 Turbo!
Why I'm Leaving Porsche for Mercedes...
I'll have the Merc by the end of Jan and look forward to posting a comparison between the two.
Anyone wanna buy a 996 Turbo!
Why I'm Leaving Porsche for Mercedes...
01-03-2003, 12:31 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Welcome to the board! I am sure you will not regret the SL55 for one instant. Regular readers here will know (ZZZzzzzzzzzz) that I rate ABC very highly which disguises the weight of the car so well.
I loved the 993, though I never had anything beyond a 964 and I agree that Porsche are trading on their heritage. The 996 is the latest incarnation of a 40 year old design and the endless variants are just tedious. Eventually, the 911 will run out of steam and Porsche will be in trouble. The news that Porsche are coming out with a "new" 911 in 2005/2006 just sends me to sleep, more of the same old warmed-over design. What they need is a brand new design to promote themselves forward.
How long did you have to wait for the SL55 and are you buying from an MB dealer or a car which has been sold on? From what others have said, it does look like lead times are coming down rapidly.
I loved the 993, though I never had anything beyond a 964 and I agree that Porsche are trading on their heritage. The 996 is the latest incarnation of a 40 year old design and the endless variants are just tedious. Eventually, the 911 will run out of steam and Porsche will be in trouble. The news that Porsche are coming out with a "new" 911 in 2005/2006 just sends me to sleep, more of the same old warmed-over design. What they need is a brand new design to promote themselves forward.
How long did you have to wait for the SL55 and are you buying from an MB dealer or a car which has been sold on? From what others have said, it does look like lead times are coming down rapidly.
01-03-2003, 05:19 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
I have never been able to convince myself to buy a Porsche because everytime I sit on one, it feels like I am in a VW bug, for one and another thing is that I can't stand the engine noise, plus I always thought they where overpriced.
I've owned Bimmers and Benzes, to me they are the best all around sports cars, and with the arrival of the SL55, we have the best of both worlds, luxury+technology and 500 horses under the hood.
I've owned Bimmers and Benzes, to me they are the best all around sports cars, and with the arrival of the SL55, we have the best of both worlds, luxury+technology and 500 horses under the hood.
Last edited by theine; 01-03-2003 at 06:53 PM.
01-03-2003, 05:52 PM
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Jan. '03 SL55
Delivery Times...
There are some that won't beleive this but I gave my dealer a small deposit in October with a view to waiting "at least a year".
I got a call two weeks ago saying they had a cancelled order and I could get a car immediatley.
I've agreed to take the car as soon as I sell my Turbo - sometime in January.
It looks as if the premiums are diminishing. The UK Sunday Times is starting to see import cars (UK warranties are longer than unofficial imports) at about £5,000 over list with official UK cars at about £10,000 over list.
From a private buyers point of view, I suspect there's not much profit to be had now.
Hopefully, the summer will see a little surge once more.
I got a call two weeks ago saying they had a cancelled order and I could get a car immediatley.
I've agreed to take the car as soon as I sell my Turbo - sometime in January.
It looks as if the premiums are diminishing. The UK Sunday Times is starting to see import cars (UK warranties are longer than unofficial imports) at about £5,000 over list with official UK cars at about £10,000 over list.
From a private buyers point of view, I suspect there's not much profit to be had now.
Hopefully, the summer will see a little surge once more.
01-03-2003, 05:53 PM
#7
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I traded my '95 993 for a C32 and have not regretted the change. The only things I miss:
- C32 does not handle quite as well as the 993. The CG is higher of course, and I suppose a little spring and shock work would help. Frankly, though, the stock C32 handles as well as I ever need to, at least in trafficky Dallas.
- C32 does not get the "looks" of a bright red 993. In fact, I don't think most people can tell a C32 from an Accord.
Otherwise, the comfort, the interior room, the features, the horsepower - all are superior in the MB. And the oil gets changed for free!
I actually do not miss the manual 6 speed at all. I drive in heavy traffic a lot, and that was the prime reason fro the trade-in - I was getting tired of dealing with the clutch (and the marginal air-conditioning)!
Although if someone gave me a Tiptronic Twin Turbo X50 straight across for my C32, I'd have to think seriously about it!
On the other hand, if I had an SL55 (or even better, for me, an '03 E55) I would rather have the MB!!
- C32 does not handle quite as well as the 993. The CG is higher of course, and I suppose a little spring and shock work would help. Frankly, though, the stock C32 handles as well as I ever need to, at least in trafficky Dallas.
- C32 does not get the "looks" of a bright red 993. In fact, I don't think most people can tell a C32 from an Accord.
Otherwise, the comfort, the interior room, the features, the horsepower - all are superior in the MB. And the oil gets changed for free!
I actually do not miss the manual 6 speed at all. I drive in heavy traffic a lot, and that was the prime reason fro the trade-in - I was getting tired of dealing with the clutch (and the marginal air-conditioning)!
Although if someone gave me a Tiptronic Twin Turbo X50 straight across for my C32, I'd have to think seriously about it!
On the other hand, if I had an SL55 (or even better, for me, an '03 E55) I would rather have the MB!!
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01-03-2003, 06:41 PM
#8
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Good thread homemark,
I too, faced a similiar situation, in which I was dying to have an SL500. I know its not the same as an SL55, but the cars can be compared somewhat. I got to test drive an SL500 a few weeks ago, and much to my dismay, was thoroughly unimpressed. I, like you want and expect current technologies in my cars, and we all pay alot for these cars. But, the SL500, was inferior...CDROM navigation, less than stellar stereo, cheap looking dials, painfully uncomfortable seats, awful breaks, etc., etc. My girlfriend's Lexus SC430 is much more technologically advanced, DVD touchscreen Nav, Mark Levinson stereo, and faster...lol...
As far as Porsche goes..Ive owned 7 of them now, with my latest being the TTX50, which is a truely amazing vechicle, and would never consider trading this for an SL500 or an SL55...however, I am considering an S55amg or E55amg...
Hope you enjoy your SL55!!!
I too, faced a similiar situation, in which I was dying to have an SL500. I know its not the same as an SL55, but the cars can be compared somewhat. I got to test drive an SL500 a few weeks ago, and much to my dismay, was thoroughly unimpressed. I, like you want and expect current technologies in my cars, and we all pay alot for these cars. But, the SL500, was inferior...CDROM navigation, less than stellar stereo, cheap looking dials, painfully uncomfortable seats, awful breaks, etc., etc. My girlfriend's Lexus SC430 is much more technologically advanced, DVD touchscreen Nav, Mark Levinson stereo, and faster...lol...
As far as Porsche goes..Ive owned 7 of them now, with my latest being the TTX50, which is a truely amazing vechicle, and would never consider trading this for an SL500 or an SL55...however, I am considering an S55amg or E55amg...
Hope you enjoy your SL55!!!
Last edited by TestnDoc; 01-03-2003 at 06:43 PM.
01-04-2003, 04:45 AM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
TestnDoc, you're entitled to your opinions of course but they are at odds with the great majority of critical opinion and there will always be people who move from one marque to another.
I'm interested your view of "technologically advanced" is restricted to the interior toys. I would contend that the SL is much more technologically advanced with the technology applied where it matters - the suspension, brakes, adaptive transmission.
What you don't mention though is that many people consider the SC430 to be the most ugly car you can buy for the money. There's more to driving than prodding a SatNav screen with your finger and listening to Dolly Parton, Mark Levinson style.
To each his own...
I'm interested your view of "technologically advanced" is restricted to the interior toys. I would contend that the SL is much more technologically advanced with the technology applied where it matters - the suspension, brakes, adaptive transmission.
What you don't mention though is that many people consider the SC430 to be the most ugly car you can buy for the money. There's more to driving than prodding a SatNav screen with your finger and listening to Dolly Parton, Mark Levinson style.
To each his own...
01-04-2003, 12:05 PM
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996tt, E55, X3 and a few others not worthy of mentioning here...
If one can help it, I'm sure that there is room for both a 996 Turbo and a SL55 AMG as they offer 2 different driving experiences.
01-04-2003, 12:18 PM
#11
Senior Member
blueSL,
My retort was in response to homemark's original thread about the ultimate sports car, the Porsche TT, on a Porsche bulletin board, which you may like to read....
My retort was in response to homemark's original thread about the ultimate sports car, the Porsche TT, on a Porsche bulletin board, which you may like to read....
01-04-2003, 04:56 PM
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2005 SL55
Not long ago I bought an SL 500 and for me the car fits like a glove, my only regret is that it is not an SL 55. My "other" car is a 1994 Porsche 3.6 Turbo. I was going to buy a 2003 Porsche Turbo but after driving one it felt like a highly refined 1994 3.6 Turbo. Wanna buy an 8,000 mile 3.6?
jeff
jeff
01-05-2003, 04:10 AM
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2008 CLS 63 & 2005 SL55
Originally posted by TestnDoc
Good thread homemark,
I too, faced a similiar situation, in which I was dying to have an SL500. I know its not the same as an SL55, but the cars can be compared somewhat. I got to test drive an SL500 a few weeks ago, and much to my dismay, was thoroughly unimpressed. I, like you want and expect current technologies in my cars, and we all pay alot for these cars. But, the SL500, was inferior...CDROM navigation, less than stellar stereo, cheap looking dials, painfully uncomfortable seats, awful breaks, etc., etc. My girlfriend's Lexus SC430 is much more technologically advanced, DVD touchscreen Nav, Mark Levinson stereo, and faster...lol...As far as Porsche goes..Ive owned 7 of them now, with my latest being the TTX50, which is a truely amazing vechicle, and would never consider trading this for an SL500 or an SL55...however, I am considering an S55amg or E55amg...
Hope you enjoy your SL55!!!
Good thread homemark,
I too, faced a similiar situation, in which I was dying to have an SL500. I know its not the same as an SL55, but the cars can be compared somewhat. I got to test drive an SL500 a few weeks ago, and much to my dismay, was thoroughly unimpressed. I, like you want and expect current technologies in my cars, and we all pay alot for these cars. But, the SL500, was inferior...CDROM navigation, less than stellar stereo, cheap looking dials, painfully uncomfortable seats, awful breaks, etc., etc. My girlfriend's Lexus SC430 is much more technologically advanced, DVD touchscreen Nav, Mark Levinson stereo, and faster...lol...As far as Porsche goes..Ive owned 7 of them now, with my latest being the TTX50, which is a truely amazing vechicle, and would never consider trading this for an SL500 or an SL55...however, I am considering an S55amg or E55amg...
Hope you enjoy your SL55!!!
01-05-2003, 11:13 PM
#16
Senior Member
55-BEAR,
2003/04 SL55 AMG Black/Charcoal {on order, Since Sept. 2001}
Do you own an SL55?? Oh, I see, you have one on order, as I had an SL500 on order but, as I stated was throughly unimpressed, and decided not to get one
2003/04 SL55 AMG Black/Charcoal {on order, Since Sept. 2001}
Do you own an SL55?? Oh, I see, you have one on order, as I had an SL500 on order but, as I stated was throughly unimpressed, and decided not to get one
01-05-2003, 11:19 PM
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1M, F550M, F550B, F40, S600, 365GTC, DBSx2, etc.
Originally posted by TestnDoc
55-BEAR,
2003/04 SL55 AMG Black/Charcoal {on order, Since Sept. 2001}
Do you own an SL55?? Oh, I see, you have one on order, as I had an SL500 on order but, as I stated was throughly unimpressed, and decided not to get one
55-BEAR,
2003/04 SL55 AMG Black/Charcoal {on order, Since Sept. 2001}
Do you own an SL55?? Oh, I see, you have one on order, as I had an SL500 on order but, as I stated was throughly unimpressed, and decided not to get one
But your profile didn't say (order cancelled) before... don't try to twist what he was pointing out.
--Dan
01-06-2003, 12:37 AM
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2008 CLS 63 & 2005 SL55
Originally posted by bobafett
But your profile didn't say (order cancelled) before... don't try to twist what he was pointing out.
--Dan
But your profile didn't say (order cancelled) before... don't try to twist what he was pointing out.
--Dan
Bear
01-06-2003, 01:27 AM
#19
MBWorld Fanatic!
The SL500 will not compare favourably with a Porsche 996 Turbo which is your bench-mark. Completely different cars, different price point, aimed at different markets and there are already more people enjoying their SL500s than there are enduring their 996 Turbos. I'm sure your dealer didn't worry at all when you cancelled your order, lots of eager buyers waiting to take your place.
If you had compared the 996 Turbo with an SL55, the comparison might have been closer. Both cars are trying to achieve a compromise for the different uses to which they will be put. The 996 Turbo is not a pure sports car in the way the GT2 is, nor is the SL55 but what the SL55 does so brilliantly is the balance between these different roles and this makes it a compelling choice.
The 996 falls at the first hurdle, it is just too noisy for everyday or long distance driving. What amazes me too is that there are still Porsche owners who think it's real neat to turn up at the shopping mall/restaurant/golf club with a large wing attached to their rear-ends. Err... no.
If you had compared the 996 Turbo with an SL55, the comparison might have been closer. Both cars are trying to achieve a compromise for the different uses to which they will be put. The 996 Turbo is not a pure sports car in the way the GT2 is, nor is the SL55 but what the SL55 does so brilliantly is the balance between these different roles and this makes it a compelling choice.
The 996 falls at the first hurdle, it is just too noisy for everyday or long distance driving. What amazes me too is that there are still Porsche owners who think it's real neat to turn up at the shopping mall/restaurant/golf club with a large wing attached to their rear-ends. Err... no.
01-06-2003, 06:59 AM
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
originally posted by blueSL
What amazes me too is that there are still Porsche owners who think it's real neat to turn up at the shopping mall/restaurant/golf club with a large wing attached to their rear-ends. Err... no.
Not only one, but two on the 996 Turbo.
What amazes me too is that there are still Porsche owners who think it's real neat to turn up at the shopping mall/restaurant/golf club with a large wing attached to their rear-ends. Err... no.
Not only one, but two on the 996 Turbo.
Last edited by theine; 01-06-2003 at 07:02 AM.
01-06-2003, 07:17 AM
#21
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'22 Alpina B7,'21 G63 Renntech obviously (wife), Wrangler(kids)
The perception is changing definitely.When you pull to a club or restaurant in a winged (or not winged) sports car like a Porsche or Ferrari (God forbid a Lambo) you get those looks ,they make you feel like a poser.I get that feel in Chicago at least.
Benz just feels classier nowadays,Ferrari's 456 is the exception here though.
Benz just feels classier nowadays,Ferrari's 456 is the exception here though.
01-06-2003, 09:25 AM
#22
Senior Member
Boy,
I sense some real P-envy on this board..lol..Seriously guys, I love the styling of the SL55/500..awesome looking car, but I was simply pointing out MY percieved technological/styling flaws to HOMEMARK, as he did of the Porsche TT, albiet that is in the eye of the beholder. As Ive stated before, Im not berating the SL55/500 or Mercedes Benz. The SL is probably not for me, but my girlfriend wants me to trade her Lexus SC430 for one..lol...anyway, I enjoy the debate and information I obtain on this board. Now should I get an S55 or E55????
Regards....
I sense some real P-envy on this board..lol..Seriously guys, I love the styling of the SL55/500..awesome looking car, but I was simply pointing out MY percieved technological/styling flaws to HOMEMARK, as he did of the Porsche TT, albiet that is in the eye of the beholder. As Ive stated before, Im not berating the SL55/500 or Mercedes Benz. The SL is probably not for me, but my girlfriend wants me to trade her Lexus SC430 for one..lol...anyway, I enjoy the debate and information I obtain on this board. Now should I get an S55 or E55????
Regards....
01-06-2003, 12:33 PM
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2008 CLS 63 & 2005 SL55
Quite frankly I think you are full of it!! Your profile states that you drive SL500
Originally posted by TestnDoc
Boy,
I sense some real P-envy on this board..lol..Seriously guys, I love the styling of the SL55/500..awesome looking car, but I was simply pointing out MY percieved technological/styling flaws to HOMEMARK, as he did of the Porsche TT, albiet that is in the eye of the beholder. As Ive stated before, Im not berating the SL55/500 or Mercedes Benz. The SL is probably not for me, but my girlfriend wants me to trade her Lexus SC430 for one..lol...anyway, I enjoy the debate and information I obtain on this board. Now should I get an S55 or E55????
Regards....
Boy,
I sense some real P-envy on this board..lol..Seriously guys, I love the styling of the SL55/500..awesome looking car, but I was simply pointing out MY percieved technological/styling flaws to HOMEMARK, as he did of the Porsche TT, albiet that is in the eye of the beholder. As Ive stated before, Im not berating the SL55/500 or Mercedes Benz. The SL is probably not for me, but my girlfriend wants me to trade her Lexus SC430 for one..lol...anyway, I enjoy the debate and information I obtain on this board. Now should I get an S55 or E55????
Regards....
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