SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Supertest: SL 55 vs Z8 Nurburgring!
Below are some of the results...I will post more later.
In acceleration tests the SL 55 achieved:
0-100 km/h.....4.3 sec.
0-200 km/h.....13.8 sec.
Z8:
0-100 km/h....4.8 sec.
0-200 km/h....16.8 sec.
In cornering:
SL 55....1.15 g.
Z8 ........1.2 g.
Note how the SL kicks butt on the straights and high speed corners...Z8 controls low speed corners. SL weights 300 kg more than the Z8.
I got to look into either renting an SL 55 or shipping mine over there for a run on the Nurburgring!!!
Last edited by jco-amg; Apr 13, 2002 at 05:14 PM.
-G'day-
Again the issue appears to have been tires...they were running the P zero Rosos.
I also wonder if it had the recent HP upgrade...probably not.
Last edited by jco-amg; Apr 16, 2002 at 02:18 PM.
This wasn't intended to be a Z8-bashing fest. I happen to love the car, and despite some of the stuff posted herein, I doubt a single one of us would not consider buying a Z8 if the SL55 were not available. Actually, I do not consider them interchangeable cars.
I feel as though the Z8 is more of a raw sports car whereas the SL55 is more luxurious and maybe a bit soft.
For a few grand, you can Dinanize the Z8, removing the speed limiter, improving the HP and torque, put on 20 tires for better traction (run flats apparently just plain old suck). I think a chipped and improved SL55 would be very competitive with a Z8. But instead of doing any of this, I would have kept my 996tt with X50 package. 0-60 in 3.8 seconds.
I still dislike, detest and overall disapprove of the silly hard top on the Z8. Retractible is good.
I posted this old thread to augment your very interesting subjective comparison with a very technical comparison.
I think it supports your viewpoint.
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Have you seen the Labrador Blue Pearl Stone trim in person in an SL?
Do you think it would look good with the Tanzinite Blue?
Do they match or will they clash?
Thanks in advance.
jco
they had an SL55 at mercedes-benz in Kassel (120km for paderborn) it looks awsome! the roof was open and the sun shining on the stone-aplications. it looks much deeper than other surfaces like wood or aluminium. it has a lot of reflexes und sprakles, a great eye-catcher.
It looks great I have it on my kitchen counter tops, Iam not sure if you can order this option in the U.S. yet.
I think its a $3000.00 option.
AMGBENZ
2003 SL55 AMG
2000 ML430
Had a guy in 2002 BMW 330CI hunt me down and pass me, I let him go past, saved me the 6 points and him the humility in front of his girlfriend or wife!
It was hard to hold back, but in this car sometimes you have too or you will be going 120MPH in a 45 zone and then behind bars!
AMGBENZ
2003 SL55 AMG (I love it)
2000 ML430



