You really must drive both cars. I drove a CL600 and CL55 both back to back. The AMG will "feel" faster when compare the 600, exhaust note plays a big part, 600 has a somewhat numb feel to it when compared to the 55. You cannot go wrong with either!!

J.Wade

 

YEP....what he said.

 

Sl65, or the bargain of the year (along with the 996TT) the SL600 w/ a Renntech chip.

 

 

I thought I'd chime in with my $.02.

The 600 and 55 both share the ABC suspension systems, although the 55 supposedly slightly different stiffness settings. I do not know of any other suspension differences. Driving both the 600 does feel more softer and the 55 feels more aggressive. However, they both feel the same when the suspension is set to ABC Sport Mode, so I think the claims that one puts up better lap times than the other is probably just due to a margin of error in testing.

The TT V12 is the superior engine. A simple ECU reflash (stage 1) makes more power than a $25k++++ stage 5 setup on the 55k motors. The TT V12 is also far more consistent and MUCH smoother to drive, thanks mostly impart to the lack of a clutch-based supercharger engaging and disengaging constantly.

Finally, looks are very subjective. The SL600 sport comes with the same front bumper as the 55, the 55/65 tailights are compatible with the 500/600, and then you can stick a nice aftermarket exhaust system on there to complete the look and get a good sound. The 600 can look every BIT as good as a 55, if not better. I personally really do not like the stock 55 look with the turbine wheels, and feel it also needs a bit of work to look really good.

Needless to say, I feel the 600/65s win the battle because of performance potential from the TT V12, that's why I own one.



-m

 

My dad has a 600 and I love driving it, the engine is just insane. I love the v12 and whenever I see a 55 I just smile knowing the 600 is better.

Thats just me and im partial but wtf do I care.

 

Wow Marcus, your car is exactly what I have in mind when looking to purchase one. And I concur with your evaluation of the V12 TT being the superior engine....which is why I'm leaning towards the 600. Lovin your ride man!

 

at least SOMEONE noticed my simple but most effective solution

 

beautiful car Marcus.... just what i want!

 

Theres also something special about being able to say you a have a biturbo V12.

 

Knowing almost nothing about Benz (sorry, bimmer guy here) I'm going to guess the AMG is going to handle better...? So I'd pick the AMG.

 

As said before: The V12 has too much weight on the front. Thus both (SL65 and SL600) are slower on sophisticated tracks (e.g. Nuerburgring), while the SL 55 is even slightly faster around that track than a F360.

Here are some Nuerburgring lap times FYI (sorry, SL65 not included) as tested by German car magazine "Sport Auto" (identical driver and weather conditions):

SL 55: 8,06
993: 8,28
993 Turbo: 8,12
996: 8,17
996 C4: 8,23
987 S: 8,23
997 S: 8,05
F360: 8,09
F550: 8,07
F575M: 8,05
F355: 8,18
F360CS: 7,56 (racing tires)
F430F1: 7,55
996 Turbo: 7,56
996 GT3: 7,54
997 GT3: 7,48 (racing tires)
Esprit Sport 350: 8,13

 

Very nice 600 Marcus

 

who drives a GT car on a track? the SL65 is designed and built for luxury and comfort for travelling from A to B..

no, it won't beat a porsche 911 gt2 (similar price) on a track, but it will smoke 99.9% of the cars on the road (street race) on a straightline...

the only car that can probably out run an SL65 on a straightline (in stock form) is Bugatti Veryon...
lighter, more agile sports car will be able to keep up or slightly faster than an SL65 from 0-100, but as soon as you get into triple digits, the SL will leave your Ferrari or Porsche in the dust and disappear in the horizon..

 

Exactly, lap times are the last thing I would care about if I were to get a SL