Wolfman

In this latest Road & Track comparison, these two great cars are put to the test

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=6

In short, to 100mph they were virtually identical in speed (9.9sec for the SL, 9.8 for the 575 with the SL clocking 60mph at 4.2 or 4.3sec.; as best as I can read the graphic)

They are also showing the E55 vs. the Audi RS6 with a great showing for the MB.

But while the E55 remarks were glowing, they commented on the following on the SL55: "But unlike the E55 AMG sedan where the computer helps to generate the best runs, here the electronics interferes by cutting the power too much"

I thought that was interesting. Has anybody been able to share that experience?

Still, at the same time the E55 wasn't any faster to 60, but undercut the SL by a 10th of a second to 100mph (same as the 575!).
I liked this comment on the E55: "Based on our previous road test, the E55 AMG can almost keep up with the Dodge Viper SRT-10, and for sure can outrun a Corvette Z06 without breaking a sweat" Not bad for a sedan

Definitely a nice showing for the AMG's...

Wolfman

Doctodd33

How did they justify the statement that the computer slowed the SL55 down?

T

WyattH

I saw that article.. It's a great one. They call them the "Grand Tourers", right? GT babies...

Wasn't the 996TT the king of the 0-100-0 test?

absent

Yes,with X50 package.

bobafett

This is in-line with real world experiences. A friend and I have compared his SL55 to my 550 on backroads and empty freeways - cars are dead-even, with the 550 pulling ever so slightly once you get to the higher speeds.

The E55, while it doesn't give you the same sensation of speed as the SL or the 550, definetly seems to be on-par with the performance. I couldn't make a direct comparison, because I was test-driving the E55. Next time I will think to bring a friend.

-Dan

vraa

I'm free!

Oh btw, which one has the 16 second drop top? Yeah...

bobafett

Which one gives you an emotional rush? The trick is to get both!

--Dan

c2jones

MotorWeek also recenty aired a test drive of the new E55 AMG (Which I taped).

The E55 AMG arrived at 0-60 in 4.4 secs.
The Corvette Z06 scores at 4.5 secs.

But "almost keeps up to a Viper"?

The Viper's brute power pounds the 0-60 at 3.9 secs.

(By most tests, including MotorWeek.)

This really isn't almost keeping up with Vipers, but most certainly is "not bad for a sedan." It is spectacular!

The new E55 has to be the odds on favorite for sedan of the year. I know I'll pay the $75 to $80K!

absent

It's not 0-60 ,where the E55 is strong,it's the 100 mph and over,where it "almost" keeps up with the SRT10.

c2jones

There is no doubt that the new E55 AMG is one special car. As far as sedans go, its the cream of the crop. In fact, in most tests, it even slightly edges out the SL55 AMG in the 0-100 comparison.

2003 E55 AMG 0-100 15.0
2003 SL55 AMG 0-100 15.1

(Road & Track - Aug.)

I certainly admire and esteem to have one myself soon. All this performance with four doors, roomy back seats, road manors and this much exquisite flavor and design? Its absolutely astonishing and a car of true magnitude.

Yet where the Viper is concerned, I think "almost" is a matter of personal perspective. In these days with top cars all being within a few seconds of each other, these precious ticks can mean plenty to the purists. The Viper deserves little mention in terms of quality and sophistication to that of MB.

But in performance? The Viper at $80K is truly the motherload, especially compared to stats of others cars costing twice and three times as much.

Road & Track is known for their genuine results, although sometimes even they differ too. My latest magazine Road Test Summary reports the following:

2003 Viper SRT-10:

0-100 8.9 seconds. August 2003
0-100 8.5 seconds. August 2003 (Car & Driver)

While some tests differ (they always do - many factors come into play), these figures are quite telling. Remember, there is AMG blood in this DiamlerChrysler detuned racecar.

Excerpt - Road & Track:

"In November 2000, Wolfgang Bernhard, who had been CEO of Mercedes AMG in Germany, took over running day-to-day operations of the Chrysler Group in this country. The formation of PVO followed in 2001 to consolidate all of the Chrysler group's high-performance products and racing activities. The first three PVO offerings are Dodges, which will all be badged "SRT.” (The Viper is the flagship of this group.)

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=1

Again, making no mistake, I cannot emphasize enough the merit and appeal of the new E55 AMG sports sedan in every degree. Super machine!

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....article_id=594