SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Side by side new vs old
12-08-2012, 01:55 PM
#1
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Side by side new vs old
At the dealer and saw these parked side by side and took some pics.
Last edited by kustom2k1; 12-08-2012 at 02:06 PM.
12-08-2012, 02:10 PM
#2
looking very close it appears the rear fenders are different. thought they were the same. from the rear shot, look at the thicker rear deck lid portion that meets with fender on the newer one.
12-08-2012, 02:15 PM
#3
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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.
12-08-2012, 04:07 PM
#7
Junior Member
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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12-08-2012, 06:05 PM
#9
Super Member
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...
12-08-2012, 07:05 PM
#10
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"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.
12-08-2012, 07:31 PM
#11
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.
12-09-2012, 06:39 AM
#12
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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.
12-09-2012, 09:35 AM
#13
Super Member
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.
12-09-2012, 10:25 AM
#14
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.
12-09-2012, 03:53 PM
#15
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05 SL55, 10 C63, 12 SLK350, 20 S560, 08 Bentley, 14 Porsche Cayman S
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.
12-10-2012, 01:26 PM
#18
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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
12-10-2012, 04:07 PM
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SL55 AMG & BMW F10
12-11-2012, 09:45 AM
#21
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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!!!!
12-11-2012, 09:49 AM
#22
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The very rear of the trunk deck slopes to much. It looks like it was squeezed out of the factory doors.
12-16-2012, 07:31 AM
#24
Junior Member
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
