SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Side by side new vs old
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Florida
03SL55
The hood is huge. It actually goes over the front fenders. There is a least a foot from the front of the grill to the radiator. The new SL has much sharper angles. Its growing on me.
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: NoVA
2011 SL65 & a 2018 C63s
I agree, I like the older design it just looks smoother and flows better. I am sure the 2009 and newer are very nice cars but the older design just looks classier and not as bulky to me.
Dave
Dave
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
From a performance standpoint, I'm sure the new SL will dominate. I know that Renntech is running high 10's in their CLS63 with just a tune. That's insane. These twin turbo V8's are capable of amazing numbers.
That said, I'm not a fan of the new style. Is it growing on me? Yes. But the R230 never had to grow on me. I saw a 2003 SL500 on the 405 freeway in 2002 and thought it was one of the most beautiful cars I had ever seen. I instantly knew I had to have one.
The facelift R230 is alright. I wasn't a huge fan of the change because I really liked the pre-facelift version, but I did think the 2009+ was more aggressive.
The R231 is just eh...
That said, I'm not a fan of the new style. Is it growing on me? Yes. But the R230 never had to grow on me. I saw a 2003 SL500 on the 405 freeway in 2002 and thought it was one of the most beautiful cars I had ever seen. I instantly knew I had to have one.
The facelift R230 is alright. I wasn't a huge fan of the change because I really liked the pre-facelift version, but I did think the 2009+ was more aggressive.
The R231 is just eh...
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Florida
03SL55
"2002 and thought it was one of the most beautiful cars I had ever seen"
Had a similar experience, put a lump in my throat first time I laid my eyes on her.
I dont think I will ever find the nose/headlights of the new version appealing.
'Looks like the roof hasn't changed, and maybe the body panels would interchange between the two.'
I checked the glass on both cars closely and they look to be the same dimensions.
Had a similar experience, put a lump in my throat first time I laid my eyes on her.
I dont think I will ever find the nose/headlights of the new version appealing.
'Looks like the roof hasn't changed, and maybe the body panels would interchange between the two.'
I checked the glass on both cars closely and they look to be the same dimensions.
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sl55 amg
roof looks very similar, but not exact. look how the window line goes straight on the r230, and it raises up on the r231 on the rear window. the rear painted piece is narrower on the new one too. i like the newer headlights, but don't like the overall front end design. the rest of it i like though.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
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2004 SL55
I want to like it, but Im not a fan. Im not liking the abruptness of the front end. Its too straight up and down and makes the whole car look like it is leaning forward. Its really evident in the last pic. Images of Michael Jacksons Smooth Criminal video come to mind.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 631
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From: Paris.
E320
I want to like it, but Im not a fan. Im not liking the abruptness of the front end. Its too straight up and down and makes the whole car look like it is leaning forward. Its really evident in the last pic. Images of Michael Jacksons Smooth Criminal video come to mind.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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I like the look of the new but the previous has a more classic and timeless look. The new, has a more muscular appearance, especially it's blunt front nose. Some more tweaking and refinement of the headlamps is needed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Saint Johns FL. USA
05 SL55, 10 C63, 12 SLK3, 20 S560, 08Bentley GT Speed, 16 Aston Martin Vanquish
I think I'll be keeping my 2005 SL55 for along time. The older design just looks better to me. I have made just a few mods to the look and think it now is perfect,and it only has 5700 miles on it now.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 631
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From: Paris.
E320
I really like your car Gene. I searched all the threads you started to see more pictures.In fact you answered a question I asked myself the first time I saw the CLK BS. Will the wheels fit an SL.Too bad they are polished. In normal finish they would be perfect IMO
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From: Denver, CO
SL55 AMG & BMW F10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Indiana
2003 AMG SL55, 2002 AMG CLK55, 2002 AMG ML55, 2005 ML350, 1995 S320 LWB - totaled
I totally agree. My wife and I looked at the new one the other day. Nice but not an R230. I love my older one. Still to me one of the most perfect cars EVER!!!!
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: NoVA
2011 SL65 & a 2018 C63s
Got a bit of the MJ lean going on now
As I understood someone tell me the new design has a higher front end due to European requirements. I guess they were concerned that the car would submarine under the rear of car they hit from the rear, causing injury to those in the car. And that is why the new SL has such a high noise.
With that said I guess I changed my mind regarding body style and just purchased a 2011 SL65 in a Maroon, yesterday - so the newer design did grow on me.
Dave
With that said I guess I changed my mind regarding body style and just purchased a 2011 SL65 in a Maroon, yesterday - so the newer design did grow on me.
Dave
