In Canada the two models are over $6K apart. How big a drivability improvement is the 350 over the 280. 40Hp and a bit of torque I know but how are they on the road. I'm thinking of a 6 speed.

Thanks

..jack

 

The 280 is in reality a 300. Since MBUSA rebadged the SL500 and S500 to SL550's and S550's, it is interesting that they didn't do the same with the 280. (In Europe the 550 engines on the SL and S are still badged as 500's).
Anyway, the point of all this is that there is less of a difference between the SLK280 and the SLK350 than Mercedes would want you to believe. This topic has been covered before so I suggest a search if you want details.

 

Can't go wrong with either the SLK 280 or SLK 350. You can save some money going with the SLK 280 and have basically the same car. If you want more performance and can afford the extra $4000-$6000 (approx), go with the SLK 350. Bottom line, I suggest you thoroughly research both and drive both before deciding. SLK - not a bad model in the bunch! PS - get the six speed.

 

I'll have to disagree, the difference is definately there,

Engine -
280:
Engine3.0L 24-valve V-6 engineNet Power228 hp @ 6,000 rpmNet Torque221 lb-ft @ 2,700 - 5,000 rpm 0-60mph 6.1 secs

350:
Engine3.5L 24-valve V-6 engineNet Power268 hp @ 6,000 rpmNet Torque258 lb-ft @ 2,400 - 5,000 rpm 0-60mph 5.4 secs

5.4 secs compared to 6.1 secs may not sound like a lot but when you are on the road, there's definately a difference. I remember 350 owners were arguing about the difference with the SLK55 at 4.9 secs (conservative #), many say it's not much different, but in reality is, it's very different. Up in altitude where I live where cars could lose up to 20% hp, it's very different.

Brakes -
280:
Dual-circuit power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes. 11.8" ventilated front discs with 1-piston floating calipers. 10.9" solid rear discs with 2-piston fixed calipers.

350:
Dual-circuit power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes. 13.0" perforated and ventilated front discs and 11.4" solid rear discs. 4-piston floating front and 2-piston fixed rear calipers.

The brakes are noticably different in the two models. Some owners of the 280 said the brakes looks like it came from a cheap model car. I own the 350 and say the brake caliper and rotors are similiar to what brembo sells as BBK (big brake kits) for other cars.

Wheels -
280:
Standard aluminum-alloy five-spoke design. 7 x 16 front and 8 x 16 rear.

350:
Wheels Standard aluminum-alloy 10-spoke design. 7.5J x 17 front and 8.5J x 17 rear.

Wheels are bigger, MB should get shot for putting 16"s on this car, honda civics comes with bigger wheels, even the cheapest model domestics comes with bigger wheels. 17"s is still being cheap, 18"s should be standard.

There's probably other things I've missed feel feed to add. If you could afford 6K, then go for the 350, and if you are thinking about getting the 280 now and buying mods to get that extra 40hp, forget it, that will easily double the 6K amount and still not get the brakes and wheels to show for it. 280 is a very good car, don't get me wrong. I would get it in a heartbeat if that was in my budget, but if your budget is a bit bigger then go with the 350. 6sp manual is a must, unless you live in a big city and don't feel like shifting all the time.

 

I agree, good job explaining the differences.

 

Get the auto over the manual. Its get you to 60 quicker and YNOT cannot disagree with that as he thinks the 0-60 dash is so important.

That said I bought a 350 and after 3 months UPGRADED to a 55. Try to stretch to the 55 if you can...

 

Solid advice. Spend until it hurts, but get what you want. The only problem with the SLK 55, it's more car than some need or want. Don't need one, but I want one. It will be interesting what direction I go when I upgrade in about a year.

 

There is a feature in the July issue of Sports Car International on the SLK280. They speak highly of the 280 and start by noting as I did above that the 280 is really a 300. Their opinion is the 0 to 60 time difference is insignificant. I believe YNOT has a valid point though about where you will be driving. For hills and mountainous areas I would go with the 350 based upon my own experience in driving both a 350 and a SLK280 across Europe. (U.S. Spec cars on European Delivery). I also agree with YNOT that the brakes are superior on the 350, but then again the 280 weighs less so can get away with less. In real world driving I found no difference in braking response. I also like the exhaust note better on the the 350, but I note the writer of the Sports Car International review spoke highly of the the 280 in that regard.

 

SLK - not a bad model in the bunch.