SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Porsche Turbo vs SL63 AMG
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Porsche Turbo vs SL63 AMG
The Porsche is the fastest accelerating car I have ever driven, but what a
piece of JUNK.
Climbing into the cramped cheap looking cabin, with stingy mechanical
adjustable seats and bad dials. The pedals are too close together and too much to the left. Nothing prepares you for the start though. Turning the
key brings an exhaust drone into the cabin and a vibration through the
body. Is this quality? With sport mode and max comfort set we headed
for a country lane. Small bumps were uncomfortable, and big bumps
made you think you were on a bucking bronko. The road holding and brakes were ok, nothing special. Now on to the motorway/freeway and the first thing
you notice is the road noise. It had a lousy kick down, and in manual I found
myself keep looking for those stupid forward facing rockers instead of keeping
my eye on the road and feeling. I did not arrange this test drive to justify
buying my SL63, it was for the experience. Getting back into my 63 with
it's superb cabin I started my silky smooth V8 the only exhaust note being
a non intrusive sound track. I really enjoyed the drive home, the SL63 in
my opinion as a package wipes the floor with the Porsche. Sorry to Porsche
owners, but any thoughts of buying a Porsche in the future have been eradicated.:
D
piece of JUNK.
Climbing into the cramped cheap looking cabin, with stingy mechanical
adjustable seats and bad dials. The pedals are too close together and too much to the left. Nothing prepares you for the start though. Turning the
key brings an exhaust drone into the cabin and a vibration through the
body. Is this quality? With sport mode and max comfort set we headed
for a country lane. Small bumps were uncomfortable, and big bumps
made you think you were on a bucking bronko. The road holding and brakes were ok, nothing special. Now on to the motorway/freeway and the first thing
you notice is the road noise. It had a lousy kick down, and in manual I found
myself keep looking for those stupid forward facing rockers instead of keeping
my eye on the road and feeling. I did not arrange this test drive to justify
buying my SL63, it was for the experience. Getting back into my 63 with
it's superb cabin I started my silky smooth V8 the only exhaust note being
a non intrusive sound track. I really enjoyed the drive home, the SL63 in
my opinion as a package wipes the floor with the Porsche. Sorry to Porsche
owners, but any thoughts of buying a Porsche in the future have been eradicated.:
D
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From: Maryland
SL55 AMG
SL63 trumps all!!! 
SL63 vs. lambo spyder ...victor: SL63
SL63 vs. Ferrari Enzo and well Ferrari anything...victor: SL63
SL63 vs. Porsche CGT...victor: SL63
SL63 vs. any crappy non-silky Mclaren...victor: SL63
open top to open top...
SL63 vs. F109 Formula 1 car (too crammy interior)...victor SL63!!!!!
all hail the mightly best car ever made, bar none ... you guessed it, the SL bloody 63!!!!
SL63 vs. lambo spyder ...victor: SL63
SL63 vs. Ferrari Enzo and well Ferrari anything...victor: SL63
SL63 vs. Porsche CGT...victor: SL63
SL63 vs. any crappy non-silky Mclaren...victor: SL63
open top to open top...
SL63 vs. F109 Formula 1 car (too crammy interior)...victor SL63!!!!!
all hail the mightly best car ever made, bar none ... you guessed it, the SL bloody 63!!!!
Last edited by Sunir; Apr 17, 2009 at 05:37 PM.
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Posts: 2,146
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From: L.A., CA
'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
Sound8- MB braking isn't even close to that of Porsche. Your posts invite derision but I'll resist.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
It's funny that the BM owners are praising the Porsche.
What I would like to know is, have they driven an SL63 becuase if they
haven't then don't comment. I HAVE driven both.
What I would like to know is, have they driven an SL63 becuase if they
haven't then don't comment. I HAVE driven both.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 388
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From: Austria
Mercedes
Yah... too crammy interior. I once wanted an F1 car as a daily commuter. But then I found out just how uncomfy they are. Also... did anyone of you notice that these F1 cars DO NOT HAVE DOORS!!!???
Next big thing I found out was that they are designed for 1 (one!) passenger (= driver) only. I mean...
???And: NO ROOF for a car in the seven digits? They cannot be serious... Who would be stupid enough to buy one of those?
So I canceled the order for my F1 car... and compared my current ride to a couple of other so called "super-cars". But again and again... I found out that they all aren't really worth the money.
So... I decided to stick to my 1986 Acura Legend. IT JUST HAS IT ALL!!! Cannot be beaten by any of these so called "super-cars".
Whenever I see one of those "super-cars" in traffic, it brings a knowing smile to my face. And I always feel a littly pity for its owner, knowing how great my Acura Legend is.
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Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 36
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From: Bucharest, Romania
Loud stuff
Imho the cars can't be compared, porsche offers something different than the SL. I would take the SL anytime over the porsche but not for the reasons that you said. The SL in my eyes offers something else, luxury combined with performance. Porsche is more of a driver's car sort to say.
Anyway i think people are annoyed with the way that you described the event. Porsche = junk and SL63 sounds like the ultimate supercar.
Thread Starter
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Because porsche is a better car in terms of performance. Handles better, lighter, runs faster and brakes better.
Imho the cars can't be compared, porsche offers something different than the SL. I would take the SL anytime over the porsche but not for the reasons that you said. The SL in my eyes offers something else, luxury combined with performance. Porsche is more of a driver's car sort to say.
Anyway i think people are annoyed with the way that you described the event. Porsche = junk and SL63 sounds like the ultimate supercar.
Imho the cars can't be compared, porsche offers something different than the SL. I would take the SL anytime over the porsche but not for the reasons that you said. The SL in my eyes offers something else, luxury combined with performance. Porsche is more of a driver's car sort to say.
Anyway i think people are annoyed with the way that you described the event. Porsche = junk and SL63 sounds like the ultimate supercar.
Depends what you want from a car. Have you had first hand experience of
driving both, or are you just quoting other members lines. The Porsche
has faster acceleration than the 63, I already said that, but at what cost.
The exhaust drone would give me a headache, and the ride would break my back, are these things not important to you. The SL brakes are far better than any AMG I have owned and are at least as good if not better than the
998. I like to find things out for myself rather than just listening to others, I
could not believe how smooth and luxurious the 63 felt after the test drive.
The 998 felt like a badly made kit car. OK that's probably not a recipe for a
sports car, but the 63 feels much more like a sports car than any other AMG
I have owned, whilst retaining that feel of quality. To me with eyes closed
the 998 did feel like junk compared to the 63. Now do you think we should drop it!
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
2014 SL550
If I were you I would not buy a turbo. Me, I will enjoy mine and my SL65. Either of which will yank the paint off your SL63. An SL63 is really sort of a woman's car anyway. I reccomend a nice shade of blue.
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Which of your cars is quicker?
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Bucharest, Romania
Loud stuff
Depends what you want from a car. Have you had first hand experience of
driving both, or are you just quoting other members lines. The Porsche
has faster acceleration than the 63, I already said that, but at what cost.
The exhaust drone would give me a headache, and the ride would break my back, are these things not important to you. The SL brakes are far better than any AMG I have owned and are at least as good if not better than the
998. I like to find things out for myself rather than just listening to others, I
could not believe how smooth and luxurious the 63 felt after the test drive.
The 998 felt like a badly made kit car. OK that's probably not a recipe for a
sports car, but the 63 feels much more like a sports car than any other AMG
I have owned, whilst retaining that feel of quality. To me with eyes closed
the 998 did feel like junk compared to the 63. Now do you think we should drop it!
driving both, or are you just quoting other members lines. The Porsche
has faster acceleration than the 63, I already said that, but at what cost.
The exhaust drone would give me a headache, and the ride would break my back, are these things not important to you. The SL brakes are far better than any AMG I have owned and are at least as good if not better than the
998. I like to find things out for myself rather than just listening to others, I
could not believe how smooth and luxurious the 63 felt after the test drive.
The 998 felt like a badly made kit car. OK that's probably not a recipe for a
sports car, but the 63 feels much more like a sports car than any other AMG
I have owned, whilst retaining that feel of quality. To me with eyes closed
the 998 did feel like junk compared to the 63. Now do you think we should drop it!
I'm not quoting anyone, haven't drove the porsche either but there are statistics done by race car drivers, magazines, enthusiats. The numbers are there. I'd rather beleive them than YOU. First of all you are not objective, you gave absolutely no info...only that your head hurt and your back hurt and whatever hurt. The way you presented it was...lame.
Either you like it or not, porsche is not JUNK. It's not for you...ok, i can understand that but saying that about a car who in terms of performance does it all better than a 63
. Comfort, looks, sounds are a matter of taste
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 303
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From: BEVERLY HILLS
S550
Can't really compare 2 very different cars...
Porsche is ugly etc etc etc inside sucks and all that. I don't like the look of porsches... they are ugly.
In terms of performance it beats bmw and benz anyday anytime and for the money you pay its the best bang for the buck.
Especially the turbo.
SL's are cruisers pretty comfort yet sporty kinda cars.
Porsche is ugly etc etc etc inside sucks and all that. I don't like the look of porsches... they are ugly.
In terms of performance it beats bmw and benz anyday anytime and for the money you pay its the best bang for the buck.
Especially the turbo.
SL's are cruisers pretty comfort yet sporty kinda cars.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
for the love of god, the 998 is not even out yet. You drove a 997
Anybody who thinks a full leather 997 interior is cheap and crappy is high.
You can literally get every piece of the interior covered in leather.
Its not as luxurious as the sl63, and instead, it gives up that luxury for performance.
Anybody who thinks a full leather 997 interior is cheap and crappy is high.
You can literally get every piece of the interior covered in leather.
Its not as luxurious as the sl63, and instead, it gives up that luxury for performance.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
Wow! This is getting a little heated. I think sound8 was just giving his opinions and driving impressions of the two cars. For him the SL63 obviously rocks, and it really is a very good and balanced package.
AMG's are deceptively good as sports cars. I have left for dead a number of so called 'better sports cars' on windy roads and tracks. I have a fair amount of experience, but the SL55 actually performs very well, and the 63 definitely moves the game on from the chassis and gearbox end.
From the Porker side, I actually prefer driving the GT3 to the turbo, as I think that is a better balanced package.
AMG's are deceptively good as sports cars. I have left for dead a number of so called 'better sports cars' on windy roads and tracks. I have a fair amount of experience, but the SL55 actually performs very well, and the 63 definitely moves the game on from the chassis and gearbox end.
From the Porker side, I actually prefer driving the GT3 to the turbo, as I think that is a better balanced package.
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04 SL55 (sold),05 SL55, 09 SL63, 07 C2S cab Porsche,
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2011 C63
Depends what you want from a car. Have you had first hand experience of
driving both, or are you just quoting other members lines. The Porsche
has faster acceleration than the 63, I already said that, but at what cost.
The exhaust drone would give me a headache, and the ride would break my back, are these things not important to you. The SL brakes are far better than any AMG I have owned and are at least as good if not better than the
998. I like to find things out for myself rather than just listening to others, I
could not believe how smooth and luxurious the 63 felt after the test drive.
The 998 felt like a badly made kit car. OK that's probably not a recipe for a
sports car, but the 63 feels much more like a sports car than any other AMG
I have owned, whilst retaining that feel of quality. To me with eyes closed
the 998 did feel like junk compared to the 63. Now do you think we should drop it!
driving both, or are you just quoting other members lines. The Porsche
has faster acceleration than the 63, I already said that, but at what cost.
The exhaust drone would give me a headache, and the ride would break my back, are these things not important to you. The SL brakes are far better than any AMG I have owned and are at least as good if not better than the
998. I like to find things out for myself rather than just listening to others, I
could not believe how smooth and luxurious the 63 felt after the test drive.
The 998 felt like a badly made kit car. OK that's probably not a recipe for a
sports car, but the 63 feels much more like a sports car than any other AMG
I have owned, whilst retaining that feel of quality. To me with eyes closed
the 998 did feel like junk compared to the 63. Now do you think we should drop it!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Just because the AMG brakes are better, that doesnt automatically mean it will stop better the the porsche. Those better brakes are trying to stop a car that weighs a lot more. I've driven both the SL63 and the turbo, and the SL is a really nice car, but in light of performance, the porsche is much better.
Speed isn't everything!
Weight aside, the SL brakes are better.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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14 E63 Wagon
A couple of assumptions: The GT3RS is the best driving Porsche 911 (virtually ALL the car magazines prefer it to the Turbo and the GT2) The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is the most track focused MB recently available. If I am not mistaken, it meets or beats the SL 65 Black on the Nurenburgring (sp?).
I have both. Yesterday was a nice day, and I drove them back to back for a few hours - run down to Lime Rock. I enjoy both cars and they are completely different.
The Porsche is light, transparent, and drives the most like an old Porsche of any new Porsche (a good thing). Turn in is precise, almost delicate. The sound is throaty at low revs and shifts to an absolute banshee wail at 8200 redline. It is completely intoxicating and brilliant to drive fast.
The BS is throaty, rumbly, and blisteringly fast. It is also 1000 lbs heavier than the Porsche, has automatic, and the driving experience it much more mediated than that of the Porsche. Everything is at one remove from the physical phenomenon. It is also a terrific 'everyday' car, great for commuting, for the Long Island Expressway, as well as back roads. It is also MUCH less noticible (the RS is orange, the BS is black) and stealth (at least until you hear it).
I got the BS after hearing its praises sung on a Porsche website - lauded as a companion car, not replacement, for the GT3 / Gt3RS. The forum was right. They make a great pair.
To me, the SL of whatever engine is a wonderful touring GT car. It is heavy, comfortable, and the top goes down (most sports cars have fixed roofs - neither the RS nor the BS can be had with even a sunroof - for tortional rigidity). Ultimately, the SL63 is a fantastic and brisk boulevardier.
I have both. Yesterday was a nice day, and I drove them back to back for a few hours - run down to Lime Rock. I enjoy both cars and they are completely different.
The Porsche is light, transparent, and drives the most like an old Porsche of any new Porsche (a good thing). Turn in is precise, almost delicate. The sound is throaty at low revs and shifts to an absolute banshee wail at 8200 redline. It is completely intoxicating and brilliant to drive fast.
The BS is throaty, rumbly, and blisteringly fast. It is also 1000 lbs heavier than the Porsche, has automatic, and the driving experience it much more mediated than that of the Porsche. Everything is at one remove from the physical phenomenon. It is also a terrific 'everyday' car, great for commuting, for the Long Island Expressway, as well as back roads. It is also MUCH less noticible (the RS is orange, the BS is black) and stealth (at least until you hear it).
I got the BS after hearing its praises sung on a Porsche website - lauded as a companion car, not replacement, for the GT3 / Gt3RS. The forum was right. They make a great pair.
To me, the SL of whatever engine is a wonderful touring GT car. It is heavy, comfortable, and the top goes down (most sports cars have fixed roofs - neither the RS nor the BS can be had with even a sunroof - for tortional rigidity). Ultimately, the SL63 is a fantastic and brisk boulevardier.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 153
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From: michigan
SL63
SL63 vs 911TT: Passion and Pulse Play a Role!
i have a F430 spider and was looking for a daily driver. i had a heck of hard time trying to decide between the 911TT and an SL63. i eventually decided on the SL63. many factors weighed in the decision. a major factor for in the decision making process was that the 911TT failed to cause my pulse to accelerate, probably because i was spoiled by the ferrari! even though the SL63 is slower, i derived more passion out of the overall driving experience.
I have had 3 911's and thought the 911TT would be a natural upgrade. i have also owned an SL55 (which was plagued with numerous mechanical problems associated with the older ABC suspension). the 911TT is much faster, nimble, and has a better resale. the SL63 is more of a touring car; it is heavy, has a larger engine and complicated suspension to compensate. the interior of the mb is much nicer than the utilitarian posrche. the exhaust note on the mb is superior. and the retractable hardtop is nicer than the ragtop on the 911. and of course, the mct on the SL is very cool too!
i chose the SL63 because it compliments the F430 more than the 911. and for some strange reason, my pulse was faster after driving the SL63! if i did not have the ferrari, i might have picked the 911 over the SL63.
In summary, i suggest you check your pulse after test driving each vehicle. This intangible factor my be more important than you might otherwise think!
I have had 3 911's and thought the 911TT would be a natural upgrade. i have also owned an SL55 (which was plagued with numerous mechanical problems associated with the older ABC suspension). the 911TT is much faster, nimble, and has a better resale. the SL63 is more of a touring car; it is heavy, has a larger engine and complicated suspension to compensate. the interior of the mb is much nicer than the utilitarian posrche. the exhaust note on the mb is superior. and the retractable hardtop is nicer than the ragtop on the 911. and of course, the mct on the SL is very cool too!
i chose the SL63 because it compliments the F430 more than the 911. and for some strange reason, my pulse was faster after driving the SL63! if i did not have the ferrari, i might have picked the 911 over the SL63.
In summary, i suggest you check your pulse after test driving each vehicle. This intangible factor my be more important than you might otherwise think!
Last edited by photonut; Apr 19, 2009 at 01:47 PM.
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Just to make sure I wasn't missing something, I took my fathers SL55 for a spirited drive.
As expected, I was let down.
While the car has decent straight line acceleration, it feels so ridiculously heavy (which it is), and I felt like I couldn't place the car as well as I could my crappy mustang. While the ABC Sport mode did eliminate some body roll, you could feel the weight transfer and the nasty understeer. Although it can be eliminated with healthy doses of throttle, its certainly not the smoothest way around a corner. AS you all know, the sl55 has the standard 722.6 and while is a great auto tranny for a luxury car, it was again disappointing in a sporting setting. Shifts were slow and with the lack of a manual gearbox, you lose a hell of a lot of the experience of true performance driving. Banging 2 beautiful heel/toe downshifts before entering a turn trumps any auto/semi-auto/automated manual gearbox out there, regardless of how quickly it executes shifts.
The brakes were pretty impressive, and turn in was fairly crisp, but you don't get much feedback through the steering.
So, basically its a great looking car that is completely uninvolving to drive. There was absolutely nothing that turned me on about the car. If it wasn't a convertible, I'd almost say its totally useless, except for its appearance (which is nice).
If you want a true sports car experience, drive something like a 911/G50 or even a 993.
While I love the technology in my luxury car, I feel that sports cars should be about the experience, not about how well microprocessors can hit shifts or eliminate bodyroll or whatever.
As expected, I was let down.
While the car has decent straight line acceleration, it feels so ridiculously heavy (which it is), and I felt like I couldn't place the car as well as I could my crappy mustang. While the ABC Sport mode did eliminate some body roll, you could feel the weight transfer and the nasty understeer. Although it can be eliminated with healthy doses of throttle, its certainly not the smoothest way around a corner. AS you all know, the sl55 has the standard 722.6 and while is a great auto tranny for a luxury car, it was again disappointing in a sporting setting. Shifts were slow and with the lack of a manual gearbox, you lose a hell of a lot of the experience of true performance driving. Banging 2 beautiful heel/toe downshifts before entering a turn trumps any auto/semi-auto/automated manual gearbox out there, regardless of how quickly it executes shifts.
The brakes were pretty impressive, and turn in was fairly crisp, but you don't get much feedback through the steering.
So, basically its a great looking car that is completely uninvolving to drive. There was absolutely nothing that turned me on about the car. If it wasn't a convertible, I'd almost say its totally useless, except for its appearance (which is nice).
If you want a true sports car experience, drive something like a 911/G50 or even a 993.
While I love the technology in my luxury car, I feel that sports cars should be about the experience, not about how well microprocessors can hit shifts or eliminate bodyroll or whatever.
