SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Best handing combination? Top/roll bar up or down?

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Mar 15, 2011 | 01:51 PM

Broker

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From: Atlanta, GA

2003 SL55, 1999 Lexus LS400

Best handing combination? Top/roll bar up or down?

I'm wondering if any magazines or anyone else have done any handling tests with both the top up and down, and each time tested with the roll bar both up and down.

Maybe even drag tests to test 60' times to see if weight being right over the rear wheels when top is down will help any?

Is there a clear choice of combination for handling or drag racing?

Mar 15, 2011 | 06:27 PM

B R

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From: Los Angeles, CA

2010 Taco

I think you are fighting against yourself. Obviously the lower all the weight is (CG), the better your handling will be, but when you consider aerodynamics for speed, then top up is probably better. These aren't really race cars, so my advice is to stop worrying about what's faster & just drive in mode that gives you the most pleasure. There are plenty of other cars that are faster, just enjoy the ride

Mar 15, 2011 | 06:43 PM

blackmagic527

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04 sl55

Mar 15, 2011 | 06:43 PM

Broker

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From: Atlanta, GA

2003 SL55, 1999 Lexus LS400

Quote:

Originally Posted by B R

I agree with all of what you say there, and regardless of whichever is better, I'm going to go with both positions depending on weather. I was really just wondering if there is much of a difference; I'll probably never be driving it competitively where I'd need to let this affect my decision. I'm also asking this regardless of aerodynamics as that part is obvious; just based on weight distribution and body stiffness.

Also wondering if the roll bar has any effect on handling?

Last edited by Broker; Mar 15, 2011 at 06:46 PM.

Mar 16, 2011 | 01:23 AM

alx

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Top up rolled up windows gives you best performance.

But I agree with the "don't worry" post. If those questions are important to you then maybe the sl is not the car for you...

Btw, at the drag strip they will ask you to put the top anyway.

Mar 16, 2011 | 10:45 AM

Broker

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From: Atlanta, GA

2003 SL55, 1999 Lexus LS400

Once again, I'll say that these questions aren't really that important to me. I realize that a convertible regardless of top up or down is not the best way to go about pure performance. I would have purchased a 996tt otherwise. Like I said, I was just wondering if there is much of a difference either way (regardless of aerodynamics)