SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL63 6.2l vs. twin-turbo 5.5l
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
2002 CLK55 Cabriolet (DEAD: 1989 300E, 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible)
SL63 6.2l vs. twin-turbo 5.5l
Probably a bit of a stretch but has anyone on the Forums had experience with both versions and have a strong opinion either way? 
In other words if you could buy a low mileage 2011 or 2012 6.2l vs. a low mileage 2013 or 2014 5.5l, which one would you choose?
(Car/engine-wise, not "Oh-obviously-the-newer-one" wise)
In other words if you could buy a low mileage 2011 or 2012 6.2l vs. a low mileage 2013 or 2014 5.5l, which one would you choose?
(Car/engine-wise, not "Oh-obviously-the-newer-one" wise)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 222
Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
the r231 is much advanced from the r230. theres a whole lot more features and tech in the 231. it is a tighter and better sports car. the engine has a different feel. although more powerful it feels like you keep it in lower gears to get the torque to match the 6.3
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Hampshire UK
Sl 63 AMG PP, VW Phaeton V10 5 litre twin turbo TDi, Honda Rune, 1955 concours Triumph T100.
I own a 2008 SL 63 with the performance pack and the N/A engine.
Some time ago I booked a three hour AMG Driving experience because I felt my newly acquired SL63 could be a handful around the twisty country lanes where I live in the wet.
The car that MB World at Brooklands had booked for me was the later SL63 (r231) which I had the pleasure of absolutely thrashing around the tight twisty tracks at MB World in the pouring rain.
First of all I concluded that the level of grip these cars have is way beyond what you need for any very twisty road particularly in the wet, believe me I come from a long line of decent handling cars Boxster, Lotus etc.
When you are pushing the cars hard I couldn't honestly say there was any difference between the two.
After the three hour driving experience I got back into my r230 SL63 to drive home and thought long and hard about the car I had just driven and during the hour plus drive home concluded there was nothing in it.
Personally from a cost point of view the r230 appeals because the money saved can go towards fuel and general running costs because the way I drive it I get 13 MPG.
But the biggest plus point for me is that gem of a N/A engine, it just sounds right and seems to be perfect for the MCT auto-box and car.
Some time ago I booked a three hour AMG Driving experience because I felt my newly acquired SL63 could be a handful around the twisty country lanes where I live in the wet.
The car that MB World at Brooklands had booked for me was the later SL63 (r231) which I had the pleasure of absolutely thrashing around the tight twisty tracks at MB World in the pouring rain.
First of all I concluded that the level of grip these cars have is way beyond what you need for any very twisty road particularly in the wet, believe me I come from a long line of decent handling cars Boxster, Lotus etc.
When you are pushing the cars hard I couldn't honestly say there was any difference between the two.
After the three hour driving experience I got back into my r230 SL63 to drive home and thought long and hard about the car I had just driven and during the hour plus drive home concluded there was nothing in it.
Personally from a cost point of view the r230 appeals because the money saved can go towards fuel and general running costs because the way I drive it I get 13 MPG.
But the biggest plus point for me is that gem of a N/A engine, it just sounds right and seems to be perfect for the MCT auto-box and car.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 358
Likes: 14
From: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Mercedes SL63 AMG; Mercedes E63 AMG S 4matic; Mercedes C43 AMG; Mercedes S Class, Mercedes GLK
I think the question is between the M156 engine and M157 engine? I currently have both these engines, but the M156 in the SL63 and the M157 in a 2014 e63 s 4matic.
Between the two engines I would agree with okbarnett's comment. Although the M157 is 577 hp and almost 600 torque the M156 with 518 and 465 torque feels much more responsive and seems to have a lot more kick.
If you are looking to modify, trying to increase the HP on the M156 is $$$$ compared to the M157 which can easily be modified with amazing gains for very little investment. A lot of folks on the 212 forum doing pretty basic tunes and getting major gains. So really depends on what you're looking for. Overall I prefer driving with the M156 engine, but it also has to do with the driving characteristics of the vehicle as well.
Between the two engines I would agree with okbarnett's comment. Although the M157 is 577 hp and almost 600 torque the M156 with 518 and 465 torque feels much more responsive and seems to have a lot more kick.
If you are looking to modify, trying to increase the HP on the M156 is $$$$ compared to the M157 which can easily be modified with amazing gains for very little investment. A lot of folks on the 212 forum doing pretty basic tunes and getting major gains. So really depends on what you're looking for. Overall I prefer driving with the M156 engine, but it also has to do with the driving characteristics of the vehicle as well.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
2002 CLK55 Cabriolet (DEAD: 1989 300E, 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
2002 CLK55 Cabriolet (DEAD: 1989 300E, 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible)
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
2002 CLK55 Cabriolet (DEAD: 1989 300E, 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible)
So far it seems like the unanimous(?) opinion is that I should probably wait for another 9 or 10 months until the '17s are out and then look for a price drop on the '13s into my affordability range ...
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