SL 350 v SL500

[mikeyv8]

Hi everyone, im new on here, im looking to buy an 03-05 SL, my dilemma is which to choose? In real world terms, is the 350 much slower than the 500? What realistic mpg gains would I get from the 350? Or is the general consensus get a V8?

Is there any common things to look out for?

Thanks in advance!

 

[sallison1504]

If you get the 350, you'll never sleep at night wishing you had bought the 500.

 

[lordlee]

There are many things to consider - the V8 is technically the faster, better handling car as it has a nicer engine and fantastic suspension. The downside to the V8 car may also be argued that is it has this marvelous suspension as it can be costly to repair. Personally I found that the V8 car drove far better than the V6 and also had some useful extra grunt. My advice would be to buy one with excellent history and as for which one only you can decide - test drive both and consider the running costs between the models and then go in with your eyes open. Either way they are both a very nice car to own. If you can go for a 2004 onwards car as they have nicer Widescreen DVD nav etc

 

[Giantvanman]

If you use the search facility and search on your thread title, there are lots of hits such as this one http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/161105-new-sl350-owner-thinking-500-sl55.html and this one http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/gene...good-what-kind-if-cars-would-you-compare.html . And welcome to the forum.

 

[mikeyv8]

Thanks for the replies, ok so it seems the 500 is the best for me, lots of spec to choose from too, ive sold a Jaguar xkr which I got about 18 mpg around town, will the Merc be similar?

 

[lordlee]

I get about 24mpg on average from mine but if you only drive around town then you should expect 17-18mpg.