hwt1964

Went down over the weekend to check out the new SL's...there's a BMW dealer on the same property, so I wandered over to look at the new 745i (intriguing, but kinda butt-ugly).

They had a black Z8 on the floor with a beautiful tan interior.

Is it just me, or did the fabulous Z8 just pale in comparison to the SL55 (based on what I saw with the SL500)? They were asking (I think) $135K for the Z8. Compared with $115k(?) for the SL55.

The Z8 just seemed like a lot less car for the money. Plus, the dashboard was just downright weird (with the instrument cluster in the very middle of the dashboard, rather than over the wheel).

Mr. Xristo

Totally agree... Although I have seen 4 in the last couple of days...

The SL55 is the better purchase, IMHO... I LOVE the hard-top convertible concept ever since I owned the 01 SLK320. It is like having 2 cars in 1, a coupe, and a convertible.

It is indeed. The same holds true for the new Aston Martin. For the money you pay, the reviewers were not that impressed. They recommended the new Ferrari over the new Aston.

tuscans

I have seen both the LE and a brilliant silver with a sport package.

I would like to hear folks comments about the look of the trim with and without the amg sport additions.

Is it just me but there is not a huge difference and the front air dam actually looks better without the amg. Bear in mind the LE does have essentially the amg tire package with different rims.

Let me hear your thoughts

pdutta2000

Tuscans, I have not seen a non-LE version of the SL so i can't compare. As far as the Z8 goes I don't there is a comparison. If you want to talk about luxury, the MB wins hands down. If you want to talk about performance, the MB wins hands down. If you want to talk about features...the SL has a convertible hardtop!! I think the Z8 has been effectively beaten by the SL.

MarcusBenz

I've seen both cars and the non-sport is nice looking, but you have to spend another $5-6k to upgrade the wheels to really finish off the right look. So, with that in mind the Sport Pkg. is $5100 and you get the ground effect & the tires for the same amount of just the aftermarket wheels & tires.
Now, about the SL55 vs Z8, IMHO there is no comparison. The SL wins by a landslide, I just hope the price on the Z8 when it hit is no reflections of what the market will be like on the 55. (Some cars on the west coast sold for over $200k)!!!!!!!!!

MarcusBenz
House of Imports, MBZ

pdutta2000

If you bought a Z8 for over 200K you need help. Yes it was a gorgeous car. But nothing about it was worth over 200K. For that money I would have gone to my local Ferrari dealer and pcked up a 360 Modena Spyder. Now that the Sl is out...the Z8 kinda seams plain. The performance isn't as outstanding. The features aren't as revolutionary. And let me mention again the convertible hardtop that the Sl has!!

MarcusBenz

I totally agree with being out of your mind to spend that kind of $$$$ on the Z8, but it was to let you know that some people will do or spend anything to get the car first. I love the concept of the retractable hardtop, it is the best of both worlds without the hoist!


MarcusBenz
House of Imports, MBZ

amg55

You have to keep in mind that spending an extra $50-100K to get a hot car on demand is no big deal for someone who owns a $25 million jet a $30 million primary home and a couple secondaries.
The TAX on the jet will buy 14 new SL55's!!!!

sl55guy

THAT is true, but someone in that position didn't get there by being a sucker. People are either born rich or they become rich. in any case, if wealth is to be maintained or attained, it is through habits. Be it becoming a pennypincher, a haggler, or an opportunist. Rarely is wealth kept in the hands of people with momentary idiocracy. peace

sl55guy

in anycase, back to the point about the z8, it was a statement car by BMW. it was a great throwback to the past and a wonderful melding of the future. The problem is 30 years ago....bMw made ugly cars with unimpressive tech and quality. That is the past. The new disproportionate 7 series is their future. thus the z8 is not much... in comparison to the matrix of past and future that MB has made with the 230 sl. In the past, the Sl made revolutionary statements in every phase. Even with other models, when mb was not "stylish", it was none-the less Durable and homegrown quality. Not to say that MB did not know how to be stylish ie gullwing doors and all. The future has consistently been guided by MB. Fuel injection, abs, abc and a host of other non taboo three letters conjoined together. In short, the z8 is a statement made by and for the power of one. One who can actually have the car. One who can truly enjoy the car. One who is willing to pay 143K+premiums. And i say Bravo thee! But the 230 chasis sl is the answer made by the wants and desires of a mob. For all to enjoy, all to cherish and all to appreciate! Starting at just 85K! and we say BRAVO!!!!! :p

shahin

Pete sampras bought his z8 for 300 grand at Beverly Hills BMW. Bunch of jackasses

pdutta2000

I need to start working on my serve. While it's obvious that Pete knows nothing about cars, he must be doing something right to be able to waste that much money. He could have bought a Z8 and an SL55 for that much money and still had some cas left over. WOW!!