So I have a bit of an unusual situation. During our family vacation I'm considering renting an E63 which will also be driven occasionally by my elderly father. He isn't used to fast cars, and he is in his late 60's. Would the E63 be manageable for someone such as this who is just going to drive it slowly to occasionally get groceries or go out to dinner? In other words, is the E63 difficult to drive for someone who has absolutely no experience with fast cars?

 

The E63 can be driven sedately if required.

 

is you father deceased? no? then he should be fine

 

Srsly.

It's a freaking car.

 

the car only goes as fast as you push the pedal. If he is not entirely hamfisted, it should be just fine.

 

The actor Paul Newman was still racing into his 70s. Unless your dad has bad eyesight or has some physical limitation and should not be driving at all, why is the e63 any different than any other car?

 

I'll be 70 in a couple months and the only problem I have had with my E63S is it was too slow so I had it tuned. Your Dad will be fine.

 

Lolol

 

Hell yes!!!

 

e63 is probably too much car...it is like driving around in a hand grenade with the pin out.

ps who is renting e63? I got a Ghibli (POS) from National Car Rental and it was fun for a day trip

 

E63 can be driven like an E350 unless you really floor the throttle. My wife always drives it with my baby inside so no problem at all.

 

That's good to hear. I realize I sound paranoid but I think we've all got to admit, there's a big difference between Paul Newman (race car driver) and my father who, again, has never driven a fast car.

Hertz's dream car collection. I wasn't aware national does exotic rentals, I might have to give them a call to see if they can offer me any deals. I'm also renting a Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder from Prestige for five days while I'm in Miami which will be my fun car. The goal is to have a fun sedan for everyday driving and running errands in, and an exotic for simply having fun.

 

Your Dad will be fine, and will probably enjoy and want some more !
Just leave the Trans button in 'C' Comfort mode.

 

Me thinks I'm in the wrong profession. Should I drive the Gallardo or the e63... tough choice. On that note, can I have some money... 100K would do it

 

Hah... don't let the rentals fool you. We're putting together a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation so what I'm doing here isn't really indicative of what I can normally afford.

Appreciate the advice. I've been reading up on the C mode and it seems like might work since it tends to keep the car in 6th once you hit over ~40MPH.

 

Car drives like a normal E350, untill you put your foot in it.
Once your Dad will be comfy with the car, I'm sure he will give it a little try...and then the giggle meter will start and he'll do some more.
Just wait and see ! :-)

 

Sadly, odds are much greater that he'll give it slightly "too much" gas and then call me complaining about how the throttle is too sensitive and how it drives nothing like his beloved (and incredibly slow) Town Car.

 

My wife has no trouble with her CLK63Cab, until the claws come out on some blondy driving a V8 mustang convertible, ha ha , the look on blondies face after she finished fluffing her hair then looked over, hope she liked the tail lights. Wife smiled all the way home.

 

The car has very linear throttle response. My wife's E63S wagon can be driven very easily by being left in C. S+ and the car becomes an entirely different beast - however, the accelerator is still very linear. Starting in first (S+) versus second gear (C) makes a world of difference.

 

I'm sure your dad will be fine. Remember the technology in cars that he learned to drive in. No electronic nannies, traction control, ABS, power steering,etc. If the E63 is anything like my C63 then the electronics really tame the car down unless you force it or turn off those safety systems. AMG's are a great Jekyll and Hyde vehicle to IMHO.

 

Also the trans and throttle will adapt to his driving style

 

I am older than your father, and my E63 is not even my fastest car, but necessary to pick up the groceries. They don't fit in the GT3 RS as well with the roll cage in place. If your lucky he will give it to you some day! Can you handle it?

 

My Mom is 70 and I brought her to a drag strip last September with me. I had her race my car, I told her, " when the light turns green, put the peddle all the way to the floor and don't let off until you see the big lights at the end",,lol.. She went a 12:20 in S+ sport on,, its that easy. My Mom is a young 70 and loved it.

 

I let my father take out a supercharged m156 e63 amg.. even though he's old hes wise and responsible. Takes care of the car good when I'm unable to drive it.

 

I've often thought about making a small block that clips under the gas pedal and limits it to half way, this way when the car was service it would keep techs from beating on it too along with letting somebody drive the car who your nervous about driving it.