Question about 996 VS Mercedes CL500 .....

I am looking to purchase either: 1999-2001 Porsche 911 or a 2000-2002 Mercedes CL500. How does Porsche (911 or 911 Turbo) compare to the CL500 as far as cost of maintenance , daily driving ability, and reliability? Can you also get an extended warranty or 3rd party warranty on a 911 as on a MB? I am debating between a Porsche and a MB. Mercedes' exterior designs seem to get outdated very quickly compared to Porsche. And in California ,MB's are everywhere compared to Porsche. What about buying from a dealer on ebay? There are some on ebay with excellent feedback . But they are out of state. Any opinions on all of this? thank you

Wow....this is a weird question. These are 2 totally different cars (purpose, weight, tranny, etc.) As for the MB extrerior....I would have to say that their exterior DOES NOT outdate quickly as you suggest. One of the more timeless designs...evident by the SL. But, not nearly as timeless as ANY 911!!!! The best advice to give you here would be to drive them both. You will know IMMEDIATELY which one you like best. Go with you a** in the seat feel.

get both...2 different worlds

sorry i just saw you were asking about a CL and not an SL...my bad

drive both the 911 is a sporty GT whereas the CL is a luxury grand tourer I will be a candidate for a cl in approx 30 years (i'm 27 right now)

Just a troller, dont waste your time on such an inane question.

I have to agree.. This question makes no sense.. You could never make any sort of comparison between the two other then that they are both German cars.. They are both awesome, and a person should own both, not one or the other..

I do agree with P-Car Fanatic (I am 27 too). CL's are more comfortable, very luxurious, and shelter you from the road/environment, which is the exact opposite of a 911, pretty much. Had a MB, they suck, very unreliable. I saw yesterday that Porsche was "voted" 2nd in reliability behind Lexus...... you can also get extended warranty (I have 100k warranty from 3rd party). Love my Porsche.... RVP

It's not a rediculous question. Both a 996 and E55 AMG are on my evaluation list. There are some things about the E that are superior, and my wife would prefer it. But for me, I've decided to continue along the dark path of hard edged sports cars. Lets try not to badger the guy

thanks Shark. I did not mention anything about how they ride. My questions are very logical and make plenty of sense...so BEAT IT m. rider!

They are both fine autos, completely diffrent in their respective designs and function. I personally own a CLK55 AMG and My 03 Targa. While both are great cars, I never drive them back to back, when I do, the AMG feels sloppy, steering feel unsure and the brakes are too dam touchy. IHMO the CLK/CL are great cruising coupes, not sport coupes.

thanks. But can they be both be driven daily? and are they both the similar as far as cost of maintenance and repairs?

Both would be good daily drivers. I would expect maintenance costs to be similar (unlike the Ferrari-Viper comparison I'm looking at )

The Benz will be better if your driving mostly on a freeway and longer distances. The Porsche will be better if you drive two lanes. After you get out of the Porsche most everything else will feel sloppy. But quieter and less tiring.

thanks shark and lexpilot. Some interesting points I will keep in mind. It seems as though you get more for your money with the Benz CL...its far bigger and more luxurious. Yet , fast as as well. But the 911 is far more scarce here in Cali compared to MB which are on every corner. We all want to be different. But the Benz's are just about everywhere I look.

I do not find this question that weird... to be honnest with you... but you need actually to find out the reason or the reasons why you want each car: 1. you want a car so that you will be unique? ( it depends what other cars are around you) 2. you want a car so that you drive fast and relaxed? (go for the MB) 3. you want a car so that you drive fast and be 100% involved? (go for the P) 4. you want a car so that you might track it sometimes......? then there is only A car. the P-car.... 5. then it comes down to the cost of purchuase of the car and the cost of maintaining it.....(you have to find out) i own a 996 C2 01 and an MB S320 01....maintainance cost are about the same.... drive both for a week-end if you can....and decide..... keep as informed...

If your going to compare a 911 to any Mercedes please compare it to the cl600 V-12. I would consider that over a 911. Maybe. I would have to drive one first. That V-12 is really koolllllllllllllllllllllll