View Poll Results: Money aside
SL55 AMG (P30)
21
38.89%
SL63 AMG (P30)
8
14.81%
SL65 AMG (any year)
25
46.30%
Voters: 54. You may not vote on this poll
SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 vs SL63 vs SL65
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 21
2008 W204
I like how the SL55 comes close to this:
55 is lacking the cool MCT transmission, and is certainly the oldest. However, objectively, as a cruiser, a nicely tuned SL55 seems like a car that captures the desirable traits of both the SL63 and SL65... the torque craze of the 65 with the V8 athleticism of the 63...
To put it bluntly... SL65 seems mundane (but torquey of course), and SL63 seems wild but shallow (not a true sports car, and so the 6.3 is better off in an SLS or C63)...
Pros for SL55:
Cons for SL55:
I own none of these cars, so perhaps the only thing that could make me bias is the price point of the 55s, though 63s can be had for abut $10k more.
55 is lacking the cool MCT transmission, and is certainly the oldest. However, objectively, as a cruiser, a nicely tuned SL55 seems like a car that captures the desirable traits of both the SL63 and SL65... the torque craze of the 65 with the V8 athleticism of the 63...
To put it bluntly... SL65 seems mundane (but torquey of course), and SL63 seems wild but shallow (not a true sports car, and so the 6.3 is better off in an SLS or C63)...
Pros for SL55:
Cons for SL55:
- Missing the insanely smooth power band of the 65
- Missing the MCT Transmission...
- Some would say the styling of the 2007-08 SL55 is great... the last of the truly understated AMG cars... some would say its outdated and played out (they did make a lot of these cars)
I own none of these cars, so perhaps the only thing that could make me bias is the price point of the 55s, though 63s can be had for abut $10k more.
Last edited by LandSeaAir; Apr 30, 2017 at 10:30 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 222
Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
the 55 is great, but after owning the 63 I would say its better. You get the much improved 7 speed trans and the engine is as good, and you cant tell much difference if any with the overall package. the whole car is updated and better
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
You want torque? The 600/65's are torque monsters and make peak torque very low in the RPM range. In fact, so much, you have to tune out the torque so it doesn't rip the tranny apart.
A 55 is possibly cheaper to maintain due to the V12 coilpacks but the V12 doesn't have issues with supercharger belts, belt slippage, or the supercharger issues. The 55 is no slouch but you have to throw a ton of money at it to compete with the bi-turbo V12 models.
http://www.dragtimes.com/compare2.ph...p4=%3D&year4=0
Last edited by BlownV8; May 1, 2017 at 11:16 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 166
Likes: 5
From: Sunny So Cal
Sl65, SL600 RENNtech, Verde Ithaca LP640, 3 highly modified Panteras, Maserati Biturbo, 300D turtle
When I was looking for one, I drove the SL55 and wasn't all that impressed with the acceleration. Then I drove an Sl600 RENNtech ECU and I almost crapped my pants with the acceleration, which is a good torque measurement criteria for me. Then later I also added an SL65, so for me in laying down actual money for an SL it seems the V12 does it for me in a car that has the same body style as the 55 & 63. However I hear the V8 sounds better, but I am more "silent but deadly" anyway. Maybe I am just tired of all the silly mustangs, rice burners, etc. with modified exhausts that are mainly just noise without performance. SL55 was quick, but to me still slightly lacking. Same happened to me when I was thinking of a Vantage, the V12 seemed quicker than the V8 but damn that V8 sounded great when stepping on it.
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Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 135
Likes: 16
From: Port Coquitlam BC
2018 E63S AMG
My opinion..
I have a performance package SL55 and I voted for the SL65. I have to be honest, the only real difference between my car and an SL65 is 604 hp twin turbo V12 vs a 510 hp supercharged V8. I really don't think this should be a "VS." thread because all cars were built for the time and technology in that year. I would love to have all three but the SL55 and SL65 seem to be more similar than the SL63. High torque vs high revving HP and a better transmission (IMO). The sound of the SL63 is amazing (I had a C63 and that 6.2 is amazing) but the SL55 sounds great at the front and rear. Both awesome just different. The turbo V12's are amazing power machines on there own right. Each vehicle has their faults (maintenance, ABC, or push-rods, etc.) discussed in great length on this forum and all cars have great strengths too (obvious) Even measured up to today's cars. The benefit of all three is the ability to modify with little cost (tune and/or pulley) to massive engine modifications like AMOK and DUDMD have been documenting on this forum (which is awesome). Now the SLR Maclaren in the video, that's on a different planet...
If I could vote for all three I would. Love my SL55 and if I had an SL63 or SL65 my smokey burnouts would have the same colour smoke
Shaun
If I could vote for all three I would. Love my SL55 and if I had an SL63 or SL65 my smokey burnouts would have the same colour smoke
Shaun
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Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 80
Likes: 12
1992 400E, 1997 SL500, 2007 SL55 AMG, 2016 E400
When I bought my 2007 SL55, I considered a SL65. I chose the SL55 because it has more than enough power for my needs and the SL65 maintenance costs (coil packs, motor mounts, etc.) are too high. I have done a few slight mods (ECU/TCU tunes, smaller SC pulley, Wavetrac LSD, K&N filters) and it gives me all they joy I need. I love my SL55, don't regret choosing it over a SL65 and would do the same again. My $0.02.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 21
2008 W204
I made a decent case for the SL55 -- but I switch back and forth, I think the SL65 might have re-won my heart...haha, flopping around.
I think these are perfect cars to be compared only if you consider them as a whole (performance, cost of ownership, sound etc.), while it has a lot to do with it, it's not all about hp/tq numbers. That being said, perhaps the 65 best suits the R230 chassis in the way it delivers those numbers. Though my original argument was the SL is a sport cars/cruiser and should have a more lively V8, while the 65 is better in the S-Classes. I don't know!! But the R230 is beautiful (inside and out - more than R231) and I will own an AMG version sometime soon!
I think these are perfect cars to be compared only if you consider them as a whole (performance, cost of ownership, sound etc.), while it has a lot to do with it, it's not all about hp/tq numbers. That being said, perhaps the 65 best suits the R230 chassis in the way it delivers those numbers. Though my original argument was the SL is a sport cars/cruiser and should have a more lively V8, while the 65 is better in the S-Classes. I don't know!! But the R230 is beautiful (inside and out - more than R231) and I will own an AMG version sometime soon!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 21
2008 W204
Is the P30 Package or LSD available on the SL65?
- AMG Alcantara-trimed sport steering wheel
- 186 mph top track speed (electronically limited)
- AMG Active Suspension with "Nurburgring" calibration which is approximately 20% stiffer
- AMG compound braking system
- AMG staggered-width 19" two-piece double-spoke alloy wheels and high-performance tires
- AMG locking differential
Seems like SL55 P30 would handle better.
- AMG Alcantara-trimed sport steering wheel
- 186 mph top track speed (electronically limited)
- AMG Active Suspension with "Nurburgring" calibration which is approximately 20% stiffer
- AMG compound braking system
- AMG staggered-width 19" two-piece double-spoke alloy wheels and high-performance tires
- AMG locking differential
Seems like SL55 P30 would handle better.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
It doesn't matter how much power you have when it's joined to a lazy
automatic gearbox.. Huge torque just burns rubber,and lastly at over 2 tons
their fat. Sports cars with lighter bodies, proper gearboxes and less bhp
will leave them in the dust, I know I have owned them.
automatic gearbox.. Huge torque just burns rubber,and lastly at over 2 tons
their fat. Sports cars with lighter bodies, proper gearboxes and less bhp
will leave them in the dust, I know I have owned them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 125
From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
Is the P30 Package or LSD available on the SL65?
- AMG Alcantara-trimed sport steering wheel
- 186 mph top track speed (electronically limited)
- AMG Active Suspension with "Nurburgring" calibration which is approximately 20% stiffer
- AMG compound braking system
- AMG staggered-width 19" two-piece double-spoke alloy wheels and high-performance tires
- AMG locking differential
Seems like SL55 P30 would handle better.
- AMG Alcantara-trimed sport steering wheel
- 186 mph top track speed (electronically limited)
- AMG Active Suspension with "Nurburgring" calibration which is approximately 20% stiffer
- AMG compound braking system
- AMG staggered-width 19" two-piece double-spoke alloy wheels and high-performance tires
- AMG locking differential
Seems like SL55 P30 would handle better.
- Front bumpers
- Top speed
- Bigger brakes
- Two piece wheels
- Locking diff
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
Currently 2009 CL63, 2011 SL63. Previously 2001 CLK55, 2003 SL500, E55, SL55, 2006 SL65
I've had r230 SL500, SL55, SL65, SL63
Hello all. To start off, I am not a fan of the 231. It's just my personal opinion but it looks oddly proportioned. Great to drive though. The R230 AMG Sport package body or the AMG body is my favorite. I like the SL65 front bumper and SL65 wheels from the 2005/2006 the best. The R230.2 is not bad, depending my mood, I like it better than the R230.1 but not always. I keep jumping back and forth. 
The R230 SL500, 55, 65, and 63 I've had all drive quite differently. Hard to say which I like the best overall. The 2003 SL500 is what I fell in love with for the looks but wanted more power. So I traded it for the 2003 SL55. I did like the SL55 for the right amount of power and balance but had many issues with the sensotronic brakes. By far, the 2006 SL65 was all about monster power and torque but it pushed hard around corner due to all that weight up front, not nimble at all. But I did not have much maintenance issues I heard so much about. The 2011 SL63 I currently have is my favorite to drive. It's fast, sounds mean, the steering is much quicker, the 7 Speed shifts quickly. But the brakes are super twitchy.
The bottom line is: These are all great cars though they are quite different from each other. You can't go wrong with any of them. I love the R230 SL enough to have had 4 of them!!!
The R230 SL500, 55, 65, and 63 I've had all drive quite differently. Hard to say which I like the best overall. The 2003 SL500 is what I fell in love with for the looks but wanted more power. So I traded it for the 2003 SL55. I did like the SL55 for the right amount of power and balance but had many issues with the sensotronic brakes. By far, the 2006 SL65 was all about monster power and torque but it pushed hard around corner due to all that weight up front, not nimble at all. But I did not have much maintenance issues I heard so much about. The 2011 SL63 I currently have is my favorite to drive. It's fast, sounds mean, the steering is much quicker, the 7 Speed shifts quickly. But the brakes are super twitchy.
The bottom line is: These are all great cars though they are quite different from each other. You can't go wrong with any of them. I love the R230 SL enough to have had 4 of them!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 295
From: Saint Johns FL. USA
05 SL55, 10 C63, 12 SLK3, 20 S560, 08Bentley GT Speed, 16 Aston Martin Vanquish
Out of all the cars I currently own or have owned my 2005 SL 55 is still my favorite car. Every time I drive it I love it. The shape of the car and the way it drives. Our RENNtech tuned e63 estate is crazy fast and comfortable but doesn't have the emotional high that you get from the SL.
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 187
Likes: 34
From: Henderson, NV
2008 CL550
Before I bought my SL55 I test drove a SL500. Disappointing. It felt heavy and slow and the chassis had odd creaking noises as I went over bumps.
The SL55 is much more aggressive and powerful. I took it on my favorite canyon run and was really surprised with how well it handled the corners. I am sold on ABC and how flat it keeps the car.
I have yet to try an SL65. Never liked the looks of an SL63.
The SL55 is much more aggressive and powerful. I took it on my favorite canyon run and was really surprised with how well it handled the corners. I am sold on ABC and how flat it keeps the car.
I have yet to try an SL65. Never liked the looks of an SL63.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
I guess this randomly got necrobumped but its kind of applicable to what I have been looking at recently. I've been considering getting a r230 and building it up a lot. I scratched the sl55 as the sl63 seems like it will be a more reliable product. Being familiar with the c63, I know what to expect headbolts wise and the ABC system is at least less of an issue for the sl63 than the 55.
Also I realized with a tune the sl65 is just a monster. However repair wise, if any single thing goes wrong, it's just down the drain. Obviously I'm not expecting massive reliability but I would want to at least have a solid vehicle. Coil packs and other things just seem like it's more trouble than it's worth.
However I also feel the sl63 is underpowered. It's a fast car but I would want it to feel more special than a c63 lol. It's kind of a weird dilemma.
Also I realized with a tune the sl65 is just a monster. However repair wise, if any single thing goes wrong, it's just down the drain. Obviously I'm not expecting massive reliability but I would want to at least have a solid vehicle. Coil packs and other things just seem like it's more trouble than it's worth.
However I also feel the sl63 is underpowered. It's a fast car but I would want it to feel more special than a c63 lol. It's kind of a weird dilemma.
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 187
Likes: 34
From: Henderson, NV
2008 CL550
I've been considering getting a r230 and building it up a lot. I scratched the sl55 as the sl63 seems like it will be a more reliable product. Being familiar with the c63, I know what to expect headbolts wise and the ABC system is at least less of an issue for the sl63 than the 55.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
Yep there's an E55 with 410,000 miles on it, still dyno'ed 400 something to the wheels. My M275 is pretty solid too, saw many many S600 with almost 200K miles for sale.
On the R230, the weak link is definitely the ABC, had this car been built from the start with regular macpherson struts and springs, the resale value would never sink low enough for me to afford it. So thanks ABC
