SLS/R197/C197 AMG: SLS - People reactions?
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SLS - People reactions?
Hi to you al!
I am owning an Amg Gts at the moment. And I am planning to get an SLS Roadster. Depreciation-wise it would make more sense. Now I am wondering if owning an sls would make me happy
Probably someone could answer me the following question:
First, what are peoples reaction when they see an SLS nowadays? I have to admit I really do like "being seen". I love exotic cars for that reason.
How would you compare the SLS to the GTS? Would you say the SLS is more or less noticeable on the street than the GTS? Or do they confuse it with a modern SL? Is it similar noticeable as a Lambo because it is that seldom seen? What are your experiences? Have to say that I want to get the roadster version without the gullwings, because I want to hear the exhaust sound of the car
I appreciate every answer
I am owning an Amg Gts at the moment. And I am planning to get an SLS Roadster. Depreciation-wise it would make more sense. Now I am wondering if owning an sls would make me happy
Probably someone could answer me the following question:
First, what are peoples reaction when they see an SLS nowadays? I have to admit I really do like "being seen". I love exotic cars for that reason.
How would you compare the SLS to the GTS? Would you say the SLS is more or less noticeable on the street than the GTS? Or do they confuse it with a modern SL? Is it similar noticeable as a Lambo because it is that seldom seen? What are your experiences? Have to say that I want to get the roadster version without the gullwings, because I want to hear the exhaust sound of the car
I appreciate every answer
Last edited by Jones007; Apr 5, 2026 at 05:48 PM.
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From: Mandeville, La.
2011 SLS AMG coupe, 1997 Yellow/Blk Hummer H1, 2014 Monterey Blue SLS AMG GT roadster
SLS - People reaction
I own both the couple and roadster so hopefully I can answer your question. First, if your main objective is to hear the exhaust note, you will have no problem with the coupe. Yes the exhaust note in the roadster is more noticeable but it’s plenty load enough in the coupe!
If you like “being seen” both cars grab attention but the coupe with its doors always atttracts a crowd. Trust me, pull into a gas station, Starbucks, car event, wherever and open the doors, you will get plenty of attention. You’ll get plenty of thumbs up at street lights as well.
I live in Southern California, the exotic car Capitol of the world, where any given day you see dozens of Ferrari’s, Lamborghinis, etc. The SLS, especially the coupe, always stands out in the crowd.
There’s no comparison to the GTs, which is a dime a dozen around here plus it’s a completely different car! No confusion between the two cars!. That would be like comparing a Ferrari California to a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta!
Go the Newport’s celebrity thread....that should answer your question about “being seen”!
Good luck in your search. I think you will love the car!
If you like “being seen” both cars grab attention but the coupe with its doors always atttracts a crowd. Trust me, pull into a gas station, Starbucks, car event, wherever and open the doors, you will get plenty of attention. You’ll get plenty of thumbs up at street lights as well.
I live in Southern California, the exotic car Capitol of the world, where any given day you see dozens of Ferrari’s, Lamborghinis, etc. The SLS, especially the coupe, always stands out in the crowd.
There’s no comparison to the GTs, which is a dime a dozen around here plus it’s a completely different car! No confusion between the two cars!. That would be like comparing a Ferrari California to a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta!
Go the Newport’s celebrity thread....that should answer your question about “being seen”!
Good luck in your search. I think you will love the car!
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First, thank u very much indeed for your answer. It was exactly what I wanted to know from you as an owner. And I am very pleased that you mentioned the gullwing effect and that it doesnt make THAT difference in terms of hearing the noise of the car with windows down. 
In fact I was struggling a bit wether buying a coupe or a roadster. Will have a look at the coupes now. Although its shape doesnt look that beautifully than the roadsters denying that it is just a glorious thing to open a cars doors upwards is very difficult.
Here comes in mind what I recently read in a review:
"And that brings me back to reality. Even if you had that kind of money, and you didn’t want the Ferrari or the McLaren, imagine this: you drive down the Croisette in your SLS Roadster (having fled the UK’s seat-spitters), you park with some difficulty at the casino, you step out looking awesome in your Gucci sunglasses, you glance at the bloke next to you getting out of his SLS Coupé, you watch him close his gullwing doors and you think… damn. I bought the wrong one. If you can shrug that off, you probably deserve a hand-gesture or two."
Thanks a lot forgiving me that advice
Jones
In fact I was struggling a bit wether buying a coupe or a roadster. Will have a look at the coupes now. Although its shape doesnt look that beautifully than the roadsters denying that it is just a glorious thing to open a cars doors upwards is very difficult.
Here comes in mind what I recently read in a review:
"And that brings me back to reality. Even if you had that kind of money, and you didn’t want the Ferrari or the McLaren, imagine this: you drive down the Croisette in your SLS Roadster (having fled the UK’s seat-spitters), you park with some difficulty at the casino, you step out looking awesome in your Gucci sunglasses, you glance at the bloke next to you getting out of his SLS Coupé, you watch him close his gullwing doors and you think… damn. I bought the wrong one. If you can shrug that off, you probably deserve a hand-gesture or two."
Thanks a lot forgiving me that advice
Jones
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I am not through yet. Just overlooking the market. Nice Coupes are far above the price of the Roadsters. Have to sit in the cars to find out of course. And dont forget the experience of a roadster in a warm summer night )
But in terms of people reactions I have to bank on you because you have the experience of more than one joyride. But that is just ONE aspect of the car
)But in terms of people reactions I have to bank on you because you have the experience of more than one joyride. But that is just ONE aspect of the car
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From: San Francisco
2011 SLS Gullwing
In my opinion, given the current prices, there's no doubt the roadster is the deal out of the two. But there's a valid argument, the long term investment is in the coupe. History has proven that, considering the roadster was a more expensive car new. The roadster is a better bang for the buck, but if you have the money I would get the coupe. That's the decision I went with and have no regrets. But if I had the cash to buy a 2nd supercar today, I would definitely consider the roadster. It's a damn nice looking convertible.
With regards to the attention the coupe draws, it's pretty ridiculous. Even just driving around town, you can't go one block without catching someone staring. Park and open the doors, anyone within eye shot stares. Personally I feel it's a bit showy, so I try to get out and close the door so people don't think I'm flaunting it. But if you're looking for attention, it's pretty hard to beat those doors unless you're sporting a Koenigsegg. I can't tell you how many girls have asked to take a picture in the car with the doors up.
And as far as sound goes, there's no shortage in the coupe. It's a damn mean sounding car, and if you mash the pedal it's just plain evil. If you want to go crazy, you could upgrade the exhaust but that's if you want people to hear you a mile away versus half a mile.
My advice...drive both and see how you and your wallet feel. One thing to keep in mind, the year, mileage and options can make a huge difference in price. So when comparing cars, keep that in mind. Good luck!
With regards to the attention the coupe draws, it's pretty ridiculous. Even just driving around town, you can't go one block without catching someone staring. Park and open the doors, anyone within eye shot stares. Personally I feel it's a bit showy, so I try to get out and close the door so people don't think I'm flaunting it. But if you're looking for attention, it's pretty hard to beat those doors unless you're sporting a Koenigsegg. I can't tell you how many girls have asked to take a picture in the car with the doors up.
And as far as sound goes, there's no shortage in the coupe. It's a damn mean sounding car, and if you mash the pedal it's just plain evil. If you want to go crazy, you could upgrade the exhaust but that's if you want people to hear you a mile away versus half a mile.
My advice...drive both and see how you and your wallet feel. One thing to keep in mind, the year, mileage and options can make a huge difference in price. So when comparing cars, keep that in mind. Good luck!
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Thank you so much for your description! The main thing indeed is that you do describe a positive reaction of the crowd. This is what makes a difference to the more extrovert cars like Lambos what I appreciate very much.
What I am wondering: Am I right that prices especially of roadsters usually are going to raise a bit in the spring?
What I am wondering: Am I right that prices especially of roadsters usually are going to raise a bit in the spring?
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As I got lt of answers in that forum I want to let you know about my final decision after driving and especially seeing the roadster as I have never seen the roadster before in real life - pretty seldom thing
In terms of appearance I have to admit that I have problems to describe the extrem astonishing beauty of that car. It is simply one of the best looking cars of the world. There is no doubt at all. As I was approching to the car it just made me grin from one cheek to another. What made me think is that I saw all kind of pics of that car but seeing it in real life was completely another thing. Have not been through that very often with cars. With the low soft top it looks so wide so flat and sexy with that long hood in front of the driver. Might think the front end does have another postal code than the driver seat. The GTS roadster does not keep up with the SLS roadster! That is sth that I have not experienced with the coupe to that extend. Doubtless a very nice car the door hinges do not allow that kind of morphology that the roadster can provide.
The second thing is the sound: I own an Amg Gts and live that sound. I did not believe that a former car would be able to top that sound experience but I recognized that the biturbo does swallow a lot of the noise. Starting the SLS already makes a noise that is going underneath your skin. It was the stock exhaust.
And reving the engine is reeeeally cool. Much noisier than the GTS. Behind the car was a wrench falling down from the wall when reving the car. Already at 4000 rpm. And especially that exhaust sound is for me a lot more louder to hear when the roof is down.
So my decision was made wothout having to think of it. Despite the coolness of the doors and probably a better worth at a long term my emotions showed me the way.
It is a pitty that I could not test out peoples reactions to the car. But I think it will attract some attentions. For me that is a kind of dialogue with other people in the same way how clothes express as well. Does not have to be luxurious clothing but clothing that fits to me.
Another thing at the end: I do love the instruments as the speedo. A masterpiece of design and worlds ahead of the GTS's design.
Thanks for reading and comments are hoped for
your Jones
In terms of appearance I have to admit that I have problems to describe the extrem astonishing beauty of that car. It is simply one of the best looking cars of the world. There is no doubt at all. As I was approching to the car it just made me grin from one cheek to another. What made me think is that I saw all kind of pics of that car but seeing it in real life was completely another thing. Have not been through that very often with cars. With the low soft top it looks so wide so flat and sexy with that long hood in front of the driver. Might think the front end does have another postal code than the driver seat. The GTS roadster does not keep up with the SLS roadster! That is sth that I have not experienced with the coupe to that extend. Doubtless a very nice car the door hinges do not allow that kind of morphology that the roadster can provide.
The second thing is the sound: I own an Amg Gts and live that sound. I did not believe that a former car would be able to top that sound experience but I recognized that the biturbo does swallow a lot of the noise. Starting the SLS already makes a noise that is going underneath your skin. It was the stock exhaust.
And reving the engine is reeeeally cool. Much noisier than the GTS. Behind the car was a wrench falling down from the wall when reving the car. Already at 4000 rpm. And especially that exhaust sound is for me a lot more louder to hear when the roof is down.
So my decision was made wothout having to think of it. Despite the coolness of the doors and probably a better worth at a long term my emotions showed me the way.
It is a pitty that I could not test out peoples reactions to the car. But I think it will attract some attentions. For me that is a kind of dialogue with other people in the same way how clothes express as well. Does not have to be luxurious clothing but clothing that fits to me.
Another thing at the end: I do love the instruments as the speedo. A masterpiece of design and worlds ahead of the GTS's design.
Thanks for reading and comments are hoped for
your Jones
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