SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: LOOKS: SL65 vs. LAMBO GALLARDO
What about styling and image??? C'mon, guys - other than the steroided power plant, the SL65, gorgeous as all R230 lines are, is still just an SL.
I mean, if you're going to compare apples to apples in terms of pricing, the Gallardo is a LAMBORGHINI, a true exotic, something you see maybe a couple times a year unless you're in a city like LA - and as such, wouldn't the increased head-turning over an SL (let alone any Benz) make up for the slightly less power??? And to top it off, the Lambo is cheaper!
I mean, if looks is all you're after and/or can't afford the $180K+ to buy one, you could buy an '03 SL for 1/3 the cost of a 65, put a body kit, some cool rims, stick a "V12" logo, replace the decals with "SL65" and no one except your service advisor would know the difference! I know that's a cheap shot, but what the hell, there's no law against it...
Also, if you think about it - if NO ONE looks at the rear of the 65, the majority of people would think it's just another one of the thousands of SLs on the road - especially in LA!
The only other question is what will hold up better in terms of secondary market value down the road!
Now if you were smart, you would buy the car that gives you the most fun-factor and rewards of driving it. That is what will last in terms of long term rewards. Truth is, the "image" bs gets old really quick unless you are extremely superficial. I see tons of Lambo's around my area and the Gallardo looks so tiny it really isnt impressive at all. But hey, if you need the ego boost to make you feel better about yourself, then go for it.
T
You are in the minority and hopefully you will grow out of it cuz you are probably just a dumb kid who doesnt know any better.....yet. It will slap you in the face soon.
T
You are in the minority and hopefully you will grow out of it cuz you are probably just a dumb kid who doesnt know any better.....yet. It will slap you in the face soon.
T
I was ridiculing the attempts made by others which we oftentimes see in pics here. Get a clue so you can save face before you type. You need to grow-up as you don't have the intellect nor character to speak on behalf of anyone here, let alone dictate an abrupt, offensive perspective. Learn to read nuances in tone and language and while you are at it, find a new personality.
Last edited by RU_MATRX; Nov 26, 2004 at 02:00 PM.
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I was ridiculing the attempts made by others which we oftentimes see in pics here. Get a clue so you can save face before you type. You need to grow-up as you don't have the intellect nor character to speak on behalf of anyone here, let alone dictate an abrupt, offensive perspective. Learn to read nuances in tone and language and while you are at it, find a new personality.

T
edit....that Lambo pic is sweet, but i have seen alot of them and they are so small, like a true lightweight sports car usually is. But the original poster didnt seem to be interested in performance, just image and who looks at him. Things that i maintain most people here dont really care about, judging by the past history on this board when others jump on someone for something like that.
Last edited by Doctodd33; Nov 27, 2004 at 10:29 AM.
I'm living here in LA (just moved from Hollywood Hills to Universal Studios adjacent) and also, have a good idea of FLoridians as I own waterfront condo properties in Ft. Lauderdale and Ponte Vedra Beach and visit from time to time. There's good and bad influences everywhere and one can easily be swayed in mood from the forces of each side daily.
"Shallowness" can be easily found in any large city across the US to the extreme which is quite rare in cities of different countries. Ironic that in a "free" and "wealthy" country, money doesn't always buy taste nor class, and perceived "image" oftentimes becomes more important than intrinsic character. One can't easily change other people's perceptions and their reality, but only maintain their own open mindedness and integrity. Peace out, no hard feelings for anyone...
............this is actually an valid point, except that you lost me and others when you started talking about fake badges etc.
............there a CL65 sitting in the lot at Atlanta Classic cars. It has been there fore about a month. Overall, the CL-class is beautiful, the exterior flows brom rear to front and the car simply has the most tasteful interior I have seen in any car, period. Overall MB's have beautiful interiors and as an Mb owner, it is very difficult to fall for aother brand for this reason. Having said that, the CL65, is visually "unemotional." For a $180,000.00 car it does not stir your soul when you walk up to it. I am sure when you drive it, you might change your mind. But if you've ever been close to a DB9, heard the exhaust note, it is like a seduction. Like the car is seducing you and you cannot resist. It is simply beautiful. This does not happen with the CL65.
Ted
Back to the post....i think the DB9 is very seductive, as well as most Aston Martins. But i think the CL was like that as well when it first came out. Same can be said for many cars upon initial release. What stands the test of time is what's under the hood, as well as other things besides just looks.
T

In my humble opinion:
Speed - I choose SL65
Head turner - I say Gallardo
Fun Factor - Gallardo. There is a feeling that SL65 doesn't.
Interior - SL65 for sure.
Do you think a valet guy will expect more tips from Sl65's owner than the Gallardo's?
Actually I really wish gallardo has V12 in it, so it has 600+ hp too.
Head turner, Fun Factor, Interior, and which car will automatically get first slot with the valets.
Let's broaden the horizon in that price range:
Gallardo vs. SL65 vs. Ferrari 360 Spyder vs. CL65 vs. Bentley GT
Thanks for your input!
I personally think that the rarest will get the valet slot.
And as a matter of fact, some valet doesn't know how to drive the Ferrari's F1 transmission and Lambo's E-gear. So the owner has to park it, and the owner usually park it at the best place. That's one think to consider too.
I have a friend who own a valet company, maybe I should do poll for the valet guys. lol.
lets see.
Head turner, Fun Factor, Interior, and which car will automatically get first slot with the valets.
Let's broaden the horizon in that price range:
Gallardo vs. SL65 vs. Ferrari 360 Spyder vs. CL65 vs. Bentley GT
Thanks for your input!
Maybe someday!
I have an 03 SL500 ( built in May 03 ) with a sports package. I can't afford an SL55, period. I wanted one but I can't afford it. I love the look of the rear end on the SL55 over the standard SL500. I don't care about the badging as much as I like the dual exhaust and the lower rear body work ( with the kool grill , looks more aggressive then the sl500 ).
I'm no expert and I don't care what other people think, but I do care what I think. So what I am saying is I would be interested in upgrading my SL500 to look like an SL55 ( minus the badge ) to suit my own taste. Not to try and fool anyone else.
Once again I couldn't afford to spend anymore then the US 90K I spent on the SL500, but I am considering some mods and the rear body and exhaust are high on my list.
So... I'm one of those people with an SL500 that wishes it looked like the SL55.
Sorry if this offends those of you who spent the extra money.
I have an 03 SL500 ( built in May 03 ) with a sports package. I can't afford an SL55, period. I wanted one but I can't afford it. I love the look of the rear end on the SL55 over the standard SL500. I don't care about the badging as much as I like the dual exhaust and the lower rear body work ( with the kool grill , looks more aggressive then the sl500 ).
I'm no expert and I don't care what other people think, but I do care what I think. So what I am saying is I would be interested in upgrading my SL500 to look like an SL55 ( minus the badge ) to suit my own taste. Not to try and fool anyone else.
Once again I couldn't afford to spend anymore then the US 90K I spent on the SL500, but I am considering some mods and the rear body and exhaust are high on my list.
So... I'm one of those people with an SL500 that wishes it looked like the SL55.
Sorry if this offends those of you who spent the extra money.
I just wouldn't put on the all the factory 55 body parts and then decide to debadge the car. That sends out the wrong message to people ie. you want people to think you drive a 55.






