Which is more fun - SL or SLK?

[oscarisapc]

I in the process of selling my C320 estate and when I do, I am looking to purchase something not so sensible for myself as a replacement. With a max budget of about £15k, I can get either a 5 -6 year old R171 SLK with lots of toys (essential) or a slightly older[FONT=&quot] R230 SL . What do those of you with experience of these cars advise? Obviously I will have to decide for myself and try them but are there any known joys/pitfalls of ownership of these cars that I ought to be considering as a part of the homework before I decide? Not interested in super powerful models - I can't see where I could use the power legally and safely, much as I could easily lust after a 5.5AMG. Thanks.
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[SportsCoupeRich]

Unless planning on an slk55, i'd go for the sl350. No point not getting the sl55 but getting an sl500 in my opinion.

Obviously just get the sl55 though....

 

[st4]

I'd get an SLK. More nimble and a better size of car for our roads. Plus it's a more reliable car and you'll get a newer less hassle car for you're money

 

[BTB 500]

Not quite sure what you mean by 'fun', if you are only considering smaller-engined versions? How come you have a C320 now, and not a C180?!

Anyway both are 2-seat convertibles with folding hardtops. The SL is a bit bigger and has a slightly more 'grown up' image, whereas SLKs (particularly small-engined ones) are often seen as girlie/hairdresser cars. If that doesn't bother you then get the newest/lowest mileage SLK you can afford, IMHO.

 

[The _Don]

Easy choice - sl55.

 

[Paul/]

No experience of either MB as yet, but using the MX5 as the benchmark for open top "fun", the SLK would seem a better fit.

Agree with you on subject of absolute performance- on most days, I could have more & safer fun with the Uno70 (surprising many people- what a Q car ;-)) than I could in the 330bhp Integrale.

 

[stevieb15]

There are some phenomenal lease deals around on SLKs at the moment...personally blessed with your dilemma I'd investigate these prior to buying used.

 

[oscarisapc]

My ideas on fun

Paul's view is similar to mine but just to clarify why I am looking for fun. I do get a lot of pleasure from my current 6-pot diesel - it sounds fabulous and the Q-car performance in a straight line with 380 lb.ft of torque is nothing short of phenomenal. That is more than you get from from a 350SL and has put an astonished look on the face of many a boy racer trying to crowd me out from overtaking on the motorway. However round corners, a W203 estate is not so good. I surprised myself the other day in Wales driving my wife's plain vanilla Ford Focus with how much I was enjoying the driving experience well within the speed limit on the winding twisty roads. So really the question is - does the car put a smile on your face when you get in? I guess both the SL and the SLK do to different degrees but anecdotes and advice from folks who have one would be helpful. Or should I just go and buy an MX5? Also appreciated would be buying tips - I am aware the roof needs close attention - anything else?
Thanks

 

[BEJ]

Get the SLK, but then I am biased.
Good fun, goes well, reasonably economical - around 30 - 35 mpg.
Ask *** how mine went on the Yorkshire Yomp this year.

 

[Colin_b]

I'd vote SLK, with the biggest engine you can get. With airscarf

 

[Paul/]

I should have mentioned- my wife is changing her MX5 (2.0 roadster) for an SLK200. My expectation is that while MX5 might be a bit more fun when she's in the mood, the SLK will give her more overall pleasure/satisfaction (it puzzles me why she'd want either car when she already has me).

I wasn't too surprised when I calculated that the 2-3 yr total cost of ownership & running are similar for both vehicles from new (SLK residuals, more modern engine more economical and lower emissions). But if you went for a more "pure" i.e. less frills (1.8, soft top) version of MX5 that shifts the comparative costs. But I guess any decision on such vehicles won't be primarily cost-driven!

 

[asinrutee]

For me there is no choice, I had an SL350 which was a brilliant car to own and drive. A couple of times I had an SLK as a courtesy car. Up to the SL it was like a pretend car. As my partner says its a poor man's SL. So without upsetting too many SLK owners there is no comparison, the SL is in a different class.

 

[wemorgan]

Or should I just go and buy an MX5?

If you enjoy engines with torque I'm not sure how much you'd enjoy the MX5 engine. But as a car to enjoy closer to the limits through a sequence of corners it puts a smile on to lots of owner's faces. Worth taking one for a spin at the very least.

 

[Paul/]

Just noticed that Mazda are currently offering discount = VAT and 0% interest free payment over 3 years. New 1.8 softop for £15.5k.

As mentioned by Will, lazy torque they're not...but then again nor are some super/hypercars and many enhanced turbo models.

 

[BTB 500]

I surprised myself the other day in Wales driving my wife's plain vanilla Ford Focus with how much I was enjoying the driving experience well within the speed limit on the winding twisty roads.

I can quite understand that - probably one of the most fun cars I ever owned was a Fiat 126 with a 2-cyl 600 cc engine! It didn't have much power but with short gearing it was pretty brisk up to about 30, and cornered on rails. Once you had it wound up you could make quite respectable progress cross-country provided you kept the momentum going.

I've not driven an R171 but I imagine the experience would be rather different (not least because of the auto gearbox).

 

[Paul/]

probably one of the most fun cars I ever owned was a Fiat 126 with a 2-cyl 600 cc engine! It didn't have much power but with short gearing it was pretty brisk up to about 30, and cornered on rails. Once you had it wound up you could make quite respectable progress cross-country provided you kept the momentum going.QUOTE]

Ah, happy memories- for years my Lancia specialists' loan car was a Seicento which was fun to buzz around N.Yorks in for the day while awaiting my vehicle to be ready. The challenge was indeed all about keeping momentum (and having left my own car at the garage, recalibrating expectations of braking distance and grip in time for the very 1st corner of the journey).

 

[st4]

Get the SLK, but then I am biased.
Good fun, goes well, reasonably economical - around 30 - 35 mpg.
Ask *** how mine went on the Yorkshire Yomp this year.

Went well and on small roads it was a blessing to you. Op should get one

 

[chord]

If you enjoy engines with torque I'm not sure how much you'd enjoy the MX5 engine. But as a car to enjoy closer to the limits through a sequence of corners it puts a smile on to lots of owner's faces. Worth taking one for a spin at the very least.

It's nice to have a car that you actually need to work the engine, lot's of torque get's kind of boring after a while, nothing better than driving B roads and working the gear box to carry the most speed and have the engine singing.

Round the twisties an MX5 is a joy to drive. As has been said, it's lot's of fun within the speed limit.

The SLK is more of a GT when compared to the MX5, both are good cars, but it all depends on what you want from your car and the kind of driving you enjoy.

 

[Preston-m3]

SL all the way. Best car I've had.

 

[Bill513]

I looked at the SLK new as a lease car for something for the weekend ...however I much prefer the SL look ....its a class vehicle and will keep ya smiling for years to come ! Mines a 2007 350SL and as a new owner ...luvving the experience !