Stunning car, the paintwork is gleaming ! So far how does it compare to drive vs the Porsche ?
That's a heck of a question and I've been pondering an answer for most of the day. They are obviously very different vehicles with quite different purposes. It's not a fair comparison as the Porsche was a 2007, 997.1 3.6L twin turbo with 488 BHP as standard (this had a map and mods to a theoretical 620BHP). I'm not sure what the E63S has. Mercedes list the BHP at 800+ whereas everywhere else has it at 600. I wonder if the 600 is kW which would equate to 800 BHP? It doesn't feel like 800 even with compensating for the 2 ton weight.
The Porsche had the Mercedes 5 speed tiptronic box, same as the SL55 I'd had previously and I must say, it suited the SL much better than the Porsche. Kick down was awful with the thing revving its nuts off and not nice at all. The later PDK double clutch box is much better, so I'm told. The 9 speed box of the E63S, by contrast, is pin sharp, imperceptibly stepless.
The difference in practicality speaks for itself. The Porsche being an out and out sports tourer and the E63S being all things to all men The ride difference is most noticeable with Porsche being much firmer even with the electronic dampers set to soft, it was quite harsh and noisy on most poor quality, British roads.
With my wife having a long term medical condition, the Porsche was quite unsuitable for her. Difficulty getting in and out and the harsh ride meant I used it only for the odd track day and visits to the North Weald, Drive Limits course. I have a day booked as it'll be a good opportunity to, legally, stretch the legs of the Merc. Their 20 car days are particularly good as the afternoon is spent with everyone competing on the MSA sprint course. I was usually quickest or thereabouts in the Porsche so it will be interesting to see where the E63S comes.
Sound! I don't care what anyone says, you can't beat the sound of a V8. I was always told that the Porsche sounded like a jet engine when on the course at N. Weald. Problem was, I could never hear it. The E63S, although not quite sounding like an SL55 and far from the glorious, rapturous sound of the Dax Rush I had a few years ago with a 3.5L Rover V8 but it does have the V8 rumble and I can hear it even with the windows closed.
In conclusion, as I drove the Porsche, the 100 miles or so to its p/ex destination, I thought what a relief it will be to say goodbye. Yes it was a great car but for a person younger than me. The ride seemed harsh and noisy on the road. It was far more suited to a track with smooth tarmac and no speed limits. I find the E63S far more civilised, comfortable, accessible for my wife, who also enjoys the comfort of the ride and seats. From my point of view, a good choice but I'll know better once its been on a track.
