waldis

I am in the market for a new 2 door roadster. now, i understand the price difference between the 2 cars is a lot, the RX8 is around 24k while the SLK55 will be maybe around 52k.

the RX8 def. has less luxury compare with the new SLK and plus, the RX8 is not a convertible.

On the other hand, I feel like the RX8 is a much more handsome car than the SLK and have a strong feeling that the SLK is a female car.

Any comments will be great. Thanks...

slytoksy

Are you sure the SLK55 would cost roughly $52,000 in the States???


If money isn't an issue go for the SLK, it definetely more macho-looking than the previous/current model. It is also fun to drive; in terms of handling its up there with the Z4 and Porsche Boxster(if not even better) and it has a beautiful interior with quality levels that puts the other MB's to shame. All the reviews so far are very positive, even critics that don't favour MB find it very hard to fault this car.

dinko

My opinion is this:

Would you rather tell someone you have a Mercedes-Benz or a Mazda?

Simple as that.

hellcat

I can't think of a single reason anybody would choose an RX8 over the SLK unless they couldn't afford the SLK. There is nothing about the RX8 that is as good or better than the SLK.

Pierre32///AMG

SLK55 will be priced at $62,000.

waldis

Are you sure? I dont think it will be more 60k. At most maybe 55,000.....not so sure, you might be right though.

hellcat: I think the RX8 looks better than the R171, both front and rear. I have seen both, the RX8 and SLK350 in person. SLK350 really didn't impress me that much, not to mention the AMG style is kind of plain after you own the car for awhile. Also, with free maintenance possibly going away starting 2005, I am not so sure if I want to spend the bucks on keeping the little MB in shape.

Dinko: It doesn't matter what I tell people I drive. My co-workers and friends know that I only have nice and unique vehicles. IMO, the RX8 just seems it has more fun.

adamrs80

I don't think a turbo RX-8 is available. I know Mazdaspeed is developing a supercharged version but currently I don't think there are any factory models other than the Normally Aspirated 1.3. I'm looking forward to the higher power RX-8's because I know they're on heir way but I'd go with the SLK 55...or even the 350 over the RX-8 anyday, and I've had 3 RX-7's so I do love the rotary. Totally not in the same catagory.

kingkong

turbo charge RX8 ? i don't think so dude

go find some RX8 fourms

rx8 people said the engine has weak internals and its really hard to boost it besides the high compression ratio it has

unless u got $$$$$ to turbo a rotary engine i don't know better off getting the SLK or to turbo charge 350z

ultraseven

I don't understand why you want to compare two completely different cars at completely different price ranges...

The RX8 at least can be proven to be supercharged (Mazda Speed) and it will most likely offer higher performance and a more "race-car" feel.

Get the SLK if you value performance less but higher quality (hopefully) and more luxury, it's really as simple as that. But as far as handling, I am much more skeptical and will sit behind the wheel first. The first generation didn't impress and I don't trust magazines as the writers are often biased.

hellcat

I found that magazine writers tend to be very biased against Mercedes. So if they are saying that the new car handles well and performs well I think that means a whole lot. Normally they slam mercedes for being too soft and poor handling. That being said it is probably better to get behind the wheel yourself before making a decision.

Big Terry

The Rx8 will be fun till you see one on every corner, then it won't, at 24,000.00 you will start seeing alot around, Class and Performance stick to the Benz, just my 0.2