SL55 vs Porsche 996 Cab

hey all, It's been awhile since I posted, been out enjoying my new sl55 too much :> (don't flame me yet ) Ever since the new body style came out of this car I wanted one and I finally decided to get one a few months ago... all I can say is, while at once I used to drive the porsche every day, unfortunately the porsche rarely gets driven nowadays.. (and yes it's a manual) First i'll explain my reasons.. 1) The interior on the sl55 compared to the 996 is unrivaled. After sitting in the sl55, and then going back to the 996, not to be harsh, but it's like going from a bmw to a hyundai.. for a $95k car, I was never very impressed by the interior.. and yes it has the full wood, leather, and every available option.. of course the 997 changed that.. but I don't have a 997 :> 2) Living in the city, drivability on the sl55 is unrivaled. it's so comfortable and shifts so flawlessly.. yes it's automatic, but the car can handle anything you give it.. any corner at any speed it seems to handle. and while yes many may argue the driving experience is completely 100% opposite of a porsche, it's a very comfortable, solid feeling.. the porsche never gives me that solid protected feel that the sl55 makes me feel.. The porsche on the other hand is fun when I feel like taking a drive and really to fully experience the driving experience.. but after having the sl, it's really hard to go back... as bad as it sounds, the sl55 spoiled the hell out of me.. and speed wise, it's uncomparable to the c2 996.. since they are both convertibles for me... there is no competition there... the folding hardtop can't be beat... not to hate on porsche, but honestly, the sl55 spoiled the hell out of me.. and if I didn't spend so much money on the 996 already, it might have been sold already.. but in the meantime i keep it parked, but drive it occasionally.. any opinions on anyone that owns both? I know there are a few people on this board that have the new sl and a 996... of course having both is the best of both worlds... luckily i have a few other vehicles.. but they seem to sit much of the time as well ever since the welcoming of the sl55 to the family... but which car do you prefer and why? prolly gonna generate a few heated response... but remember, I still have my 996, and will continue to keep it.. it's a great car.. but the sl55 is truly an amazing vehicle.. i don't think anyone can really object to that.. both the 996 and sl55 have their advantages and disadvantages, but for me, i've found a new favorite.. let the flames begin bobporsche996 - remember me?

I think the SL is a beautiful car. I've thought about one for my wife. Last fall I had a chance to drive an SL55 and SL600 at IRP. I really thrashed them pretty hard. The power was fun, but the brakes and handling are decidedly inferior to my 996, much less the 997. The whole time I was running the road course, I was thinking about how I wish I was driving the 996. The SL just felt nose-heavy, the turn-in sluggish, and it doesn't have that dialed in Porsche feeling that you can brush that third blade of grass on the upcoming apex. Might not be an issue for sedate driving around town, but I knew that it wasn't the car for me. Glad you're enjoying yours, though; I think it's a nice car for the right buyer.

Let me get this straight. You're comparing a $123,000 car to a $80,000 car. That's an base MSRP difference of about $45,000 (Edmunds). Hmmmmm. That's great for the P-car. Even if you take into account that this is the one 996 from Hell that you had the sheer bad luck in acquiring. It's older too, isn't it? I don't remember what model year it was. Try comparing the 2005 SL55AMG with the 2005 TT Cab. That's $123,000 car vs a $128,000 one. I don't think there will be any doubt as to which car will win .

Honestly, I don't know which car will win.....it's up to the driver!!! I can PROMISE you that I can show you people who will love one over the other, and then different people who would be direct opposites. As far as the creator of this thread.....drive what you like, and don't make excuses for you choice!!! I have a friend who's the Co-Chair of a major Record Company, and he's had 'em all, and has had a slew of planes, and goes through cars like crazy. He's currently driving a Ford Expedition. That choice wasn't because he doesn't care....that's what he likes.....you can say there's no accounting for taste, but that goes 2 ways.....who makes us the judge & jury??? Here's the bottom line, and unless you're too egotistical to accept it, it's irrefutable.... TO EACH HIS OWN!!!!

Well put Richard! Well well well, Bob is back and once again the thead is already gaining controversial steam.....Glad to see you back Bob. Missed your threads. By the way, how's the P-Car? This is such an apples to oranges debate though so I am not sure what the point is. One is a car built for the track, full of visceral experience, and race care bred (as the interior you complain about should be) and very austere. The SL, on the other hand, is a luxury touring car that is much more comfy on the city streets, etc., but can't hang on the track. Choice? Own both. can't decide? Go with what YOU like not what others have to chime in about.

The SL55 is more of an "old man" car. Of course, I'd kill to have one. I think I would prefere a 996 at my current age.

I think some of the Mercedes are beautiful. I have even thought about buying them, but whenever I drive one, I feel old. I personally do not like driving them. I want a sports car, not a fast luxo cruiser. If you want a fast luxo cruiser, I am sure they are hard to beat. It is just not what I want. Give my 15-20 years and I might buy one as a second car

First off I own both cars, and yes the benz is a great car to drive, there is no way in hell I would ever sell the Porsche for the Benz. My situation is reveresed I hardly drive the Benz, It is not a true drivers car in fact my wife calls it the " chick car" . Drive whatever you like ...But IMHO There is nothing like driving a Porsche

That's what I was thinking. It doesn't make sense to me to complain that Porsche doesn't provide what it's not designed to provide. A Porsche 996 is a higly refined Sports car but it isn't a luxury car. I could for example pay $60K for a LS 430 and complain about Porsche not providing the smooth ride and near isolation from the road provided by the LS 430.

Bingo! The whole debate of comparing list prices is not an accurate one. You need to compare the same TYPE (purpose) of car more so than the price. I am done with this thread though and its' pointless comparison. But.....they are both great cars and I will not deny that.

MBs and Porsches are completely different cars. If you want a Mercedes, just go and ahead and get the CLS. At least then you have four doors as to go along with the GT ride. To me, none of the Mercedes drive like a true sports car, but I have not driven the SLR. I have driven the AMGs and there are a couple at work. Those guys owning the AMGs are very quick to point out that my piggish feeling TT cabriolet is a much better handling car and more fun to drive. My office just has a deal with Mercedes and most of the partners lease all of the firms cars through Mercedes so the younger guys wanting Porsche TTs are still stuck with the AMGs. The more mature crowd all drives the CLS or S600/500 stuff.

MBs are nice luxurious soft cruisers, I'm OK with them being great cars. But if God offered me one more drive before snatching me away, I'd sure as hell not spend it in an SL

If God offered me one more drive before snatching me away, it would be with my wife, and it wouldn't be in a car!!!

But Richard, where does that drive take place? Not in the 6?

this sums up perfectly what I feel about any mercedes my aunt drives one in fact she and my uncle have had 14 mercs in a row, my uncle bought a 7 series BMW new and returned it after 3 weeks. they are in their late 50's and I am 27 I am a porsche/bmw person - mercedes (or BMW) has nothing to compare to a 911

Look, I understand where Bob is coming from, but in all fairness we have to compare the SL500 with the 996. I have had many cars and have lusted after the SL ever since it came out. Two years ago I bought an '03 SL500 sight unseen, never even took it for a test drive. I loved the looks, the glass retractable roof etc. After a few weeks I was so bored, I couldn't wait to get rid of it. I traded it for my present C4S cab, and it's the best swap I have made in years. Perhaps the SL55 would have kept my interest a bit longer, but I honestly don't think so. There is no sense of contact with the road, the tight steering , even the back seats (which my 2 little boys love to ride in), or the sound of the PSE when I accelerate. Plus 4 wheel drive, with less of that country club stigma. (Flame away!)

What he said.

And I thought picking out something to wear this morning was a problem.

LOL!!!!!! I gotta hand it to Bob for starting a thread that potentially can go on forever without maintenance. Do you all realize that there are now 18 responses over 2 pages including this one, and Bob has only made one post here?

That's because his finger is stuck in the button that opens and closes the hardtop of his SL55 And BTW Bob, remember the first rule of this board, you've got to share pictures of the new car. We need to see it before there's a fire or something odd like that. Welcome back Bob!

Wasn't it Bob's porsche that was scattering debri over 3 states? Something about a Car-B-Que?

Yes, exactly. Bob is to the 996 forum what Red UFO is to the Off Topic forum.

I'm sure Bob would rate a Hyundai Sonata a better vehicle.

I wonder if Bob bought ithe SL55 from a Foird dealer?

Probably, but he would never say that here. He is much more subtle. His posts could potentially be true, or they could be complete BS. The beauty is that you just can't tell. Whether true or fictional, his posts are masterful in stirring the pot. I can't help but think he takes great pride in subtly "fuch ing" with people . . .

Boy, do I feel stupid--now I remember the endless "I bought a 996 from a used Ford-dealer, and then it blew up" over and over again thread......let's put this baby to bed asap!

I've own a few MB and can tell you that they are DANGEROUS cars....driving them you feel so insulated from the road that you tend to fall asleep while driving...that's a

I would take a BMW over a Benz any day. Although their quality (interior and exterior) have drastically improved over the years, they still trail the Bimmer and I don't ever plan on buying another one even if a find a great deal at a Ford dealer.

I don't think that Porsche, BMW and Mercedes target the same market. I place Porsche on one end of the spectrum (Sports cars and Sporty SUVs), Mercedes on the other end of the spectrum (Fast Luxury Cruisers and SUVs) and BMW in the middle (Luxury Sporty Cars and SUVs). There may be some overlap, but the only people who think these models are even intending to compete with each other do not, IMHO, understand the various products.

it's not my fault, my posts generate these responses Of course I think having a 996 and a sl55 is the best of both worlds.. I suppose for the time being i'm just really having fun with the car... one must realize, living smack downtown in the middle of a big city... having a loud porsche stick isn't exactly the most enjoyable experience, when reaching 20mph is an accomplishment.. ..to each their own, but i'm content driving the porsche for when i really feel like "driving" and the sl55 as a driver when I feel like just driving around town or to dinner/valet... of course the drive isn't anything like a porsche, but the car does pretty much handle anything you give it.. if anything.. it's too forgiving and too simple to drive.. but sometimes that's a nice thing in a stressful city environment full of morons that can't drive and 5-10mph speeds... if anything, it's nice to have a car that drives like a dream, has the interior of a dream, and refinement unmatched anywhere... i've never been a huge porsche fan, and the 996 was my first and most likely my last porsche as i said previously, due to my horrible experiences with mine in the past... (which we need not bring up again) and the service, company, etc... I don't think it's wrong for me to enjoy both he sl55 and the porsche is it? of course i prefer to the sl55, but to each their own.. one reason I've realized why I drive the sl55 so much more is the sound system.. i think we can all agree.. the stock sound on a porsche, even the hi-fi which i have, is pretty damn bad.. but of course, the car wasn't made for music.. personally i love music, and the bose system on the mercedes is top knotch.. sitting in traffic, it's much nicer to listen to than the porsche... maybe if i lived in the country or subs, my preference would change.. but for the time being, the sl55 is my new love :> done a few things to it already.. got the 20" brabus, lowered, cleared it out white everywhere.. removed the emblems.. so when I really want to exhibit some speed someone on the freeway, it's a pleasure blowing em away thinking it's a slow v6 240hp mercedes slk or something fun car.. for those that haven't test driven one... atleast try it.. the thing has some serious *****, even though it's a mercedes..

Beautiful SL55. I never liked white sports cars, but I've seen a few nice ones including yours. Enjoy!

Nice Bob!... Take good care of it. Enjoy!