Now that I've owned both vehicles for a little bit here are a few observations. I'd love to know what your thoughts are:
- Biggest difference, the V12 feels so much more powerful. Torque everywhere. Still the 500 is quick enough for 99% of everything. After all this is not a sports car.
- I prefer the gearbox on the '99 SL500. I'm not sure if it's a year change (the SL600 is a ´96 - you guys will know more about this) but the ratios on the V8 are shorter and actually more comfortable to drive around. Also the gear selector lets you go from 4-2 in one go. On the V12 there is a "staircase" selector that is pretty much useless when you want to slow down the car by using a lower gear. Together with the fact that the ratios on the V12 are soooo long and that the V12 is heavy, I'm constantly abusing the brakes. Sometimes on slow traffic I end up way too close to the rear bumper of the car in front of me.
- The V12 has neumatic suspension, the V8 doesn't (and I'm not sure if it has stock shocks/springs - I'll find out tomorrow). The V12 drives like a yacht. The V8 is sportier and tighter. Which one do I prefer? Difficult choice.
- The brakes on the V8 are superior. Tomorrow my plan is to have the AMG wheels refinished, brake calipers and rotors from the V8 to the V12. Wish me luck!
- The V12 has the older climate control. The V8 uses the digital version. I actually prefer the older. It's quicker to use.
- Biggest difference, the V12 feels so much more powerful. Torque everywhere. Still the 500 is quick enough for 99% of everything. After all this is not a sports car.
- I prefer the gearbox on the '99 SL500. I'm not sure if it's a year change (the SL600 is a ´96 - you guys will know more about this) but the ratios on the V8 are shorter and actually more comfortable to drive around. Also the gear selector lets you go from 4-2 in one go. On the V12 there is a "staircase" selector that is pretty much useless when you want to slow down the car by using a lower gear. Together with the fact that the ratios on the V12 are soooo long and that the V12 is heavy, I'm constantly abusing the brakes. Sometimes on slow traffic I end up way too close to the rear bumper of the car in front of me.
- The V12 has neumatic suspension, the V8 doesn't (and I'm not sure if it has stock shocks/springs - I'll find out tomorrow). The V12 drives like a yacht. The V8 is sportier and tighter. Which one do I prefer? Difficult choice.
- The brakes on the V8 are superior. Tomorrow my plan is to have the AMG wheels refinished, brake calipers and rotors from the V8 to the V12. Wish me luck!
- The V12 has the older climate control. The V8 uses the digital version. I actually prefer the older. It's quicker to use.