[rpspa]

I'm sorry if this is a retread thread. I'm ordering a new car this summer and I can't make a decision.I enjoy the sophistication of the SLK 350 plus it felt very stable. Acceleration was good and the exhaust note was very nice.The Benz and the Vette are equivelent cost.
The Vette offers incredible acceleration, noisy interior. Questionable quality.
For those of you with experience with both cars, please offer your thoughts and comments.BTW the insurance costs are nearly the same with the chev #100 > per year.
Thanks.
RPSPA

 

[SIlver_Lana]

It ultimately comes down to what you value more - pure performance or a mix of performance and style.
The 'vette seems rather bland to me.

Either way, you will not be dissapointed - both cars have exceeded the expectations of their new owners.

Cheers!

 

[Shinigami]

What silver said. Performance or style...

 

[Julien]

I don't completely agree about style. The new C6 has a beautiful style and looks more aggressive than the SLK. It is also pure sports car looking while the SLK does have a little of the boulevard cruiser look to it (especially the standard model). I think some of the questions you should ask yourself are: Do you want pure performance and style (C6) or refined luxury and convenience in a sports car (SLK)? Do you want a roadster and coupe in one car? Is speed and cornering more/less important to you than interior quality and fit and finish?....and on and on....

Write down a list of personal positives and negatives of each car. Read and asses all features and options (you may find something available on one car that you that can hardly live without).

 

[Duo-Art]

Also, consider the dealerships that you will have to deal with including service departments. One nice thing about buying a Mercedes is that I no longer have to deal with "TYPICAL" American car salesmen and incompitant service departments.

 

[SIlver_Lana]

Duo-Art - 1/26/2005 9:04 AM

Also, consider the dealerships that you will have to deal with including service departments. One nice thing about buying a Mercedes is that I no longer have to deal with "TYPICAL" American car salesmen and incompitant service departments.

I will say that some Mercedes dealers are also quite incompetent. Your miles may vary.

 

[jmejones]

SIlver_Lana - 1/26/2005 8:26 AM

Duo-Art - 1/26/2005 9:04 AM

Also, consider the dealerships that you will have to deal with including service departments. One nice thing about buying a Mercedes is that I no longer have to deal with "TYPICAL" American car salesmen and incompitant service departments.

I will say that some Mercedes dealers are also quite incompetent. Your miles may vary.

I would agree with the distinguished person from the East. Mercedes service is not the much above GM. I know. I had a C5 all but 2 years ago and left to go to a Viper, then to an 2003 SL. I would rate MB in the middle. And the salepeople are no different, they just sale more expensive cars. I told my dealership more about the SLK55 then they knew, I bet that won't happen with a C6...it's their flagship.

I would only seriously consider going back to an American or at least, all American auto when the C6 Z06 arrives late this year. And only if it has a convertible option. Wider body, more aggressive, 500 HP and torgue with all the luxury you need in a true sports car. And it will only take 8 weeks to order. You'll have to excuse me I'm still pissed that I don't have my SLK55 yet and I ordered it in April 2004.

 

[Shinigami]

The Vette has no vario roof. That's the biggest selling point for me.

I still don't like the interior (or exterior) styling of the Vette. Just never warmed to it I guess...

 

[CP1]

I currently own a 2001 Z06 (385 hp) and an SLK 55 AMG.

Z06 Vette: Instantly recognizable. American icon. Incredibly fast. No rattles or squeaks. Can do my own minor maintenance (oil changes and brake pads). Manual transmission. Expensive tires. Reasonable storage space. No spare tire. Lotsa plastic in the interior.


SLK 55 AMG: Respected by people who know what it is. Excellent interior fit and finish. Convertible. Almost incredibly fast. Almost expensive tires. No storage space. Spare tire. Priced at 1.4 Vettes.

 

[rpspa]

Thanks to all for your excellent suggestions. You have offered food for thought......

 

[roadsterboy]

I have had several corvettes in different generational styles and yes I agree with CP1 that it is instantly recognizable by just about everyone, they DO hold their value and the quality is pretty much the same as any other GM vehicle. Yes the vette has more horsepower and yes the SLK does lend itself to that boulevard cruiser look, but the SLK just exudes elegance, class and sophistication.

A better comparison with the SLK class car is the (domestic car) Cadillac ZLR roadster (at $75k, ouch!) since they are both true roadsters with retractable tops and really was meant to compete with the SL500, but a loaded up SLK 55 stacks up fine.

To me, IMHO, the vette screams out that I have a midlife crisis and my "thingy" is undersized, whilst the Ben-ZEE is the elegant country club trend setter!

 

[Shinigami]

ZLR? You mean the XLR?

I find it underpowered, too expensive, and honestly, the interior as well as the exterior is blocky and horribly ugly. Just my point of view of course. But it must be the ugliest convertible out there are the moment. I just cringe when I see it :\ (well, see it in pics, coz I've yet to see one on the street... it just doesn't sell over here).

 

[Scruffyone]

roadsterboy
Man did you hit the nail on the head or what? I drove the piss out of my 86 Vette for 5 years, and it ran like a top. I also agree that the Vette has somewhat of a “thingy� image to some people.
The SLK32 is a completely different car than the Vette, not better or worse, but different. I drive it just for the reasons that you state. I liked it so much that I ordered the SLK55 just a month after taking delivery of the SLK32, with all specs unknown at that point. I put that on hold because I was hoping for a little more power under the bonnet. I’m currently looking at the SL55 or SL600. I have to make up my mind this week. Sell the SLK32 for an SL?

 

[CP1]

roadsterboy - 1/27/2005 5:37 AM
... I have a midlife crisis and my "thingy" is undersized, ...

Hey, I resemble that remark!

 

[jmejones]

CP1 - 1/27/2005 8:32 AM

roadsterboy - 1/27/2005 5:37 AM
... I have a midlife crisis and my "thingy" is undersized, ...

Hey, I resemble that remark!

C5's do not keep their value...the C5
Z06 maybe, but I know from first hand that they were selling brand new 2004 C5's still on the lot for 8-10K off the sticker to make way for the C6.

 

[Storm]

Drive both on the same day and you'll easily be able to make your chioce.

 

[roadsterboy]

LOL, oops I did mean the Cadillac XLR, see the "Z" and the "X" are close on the keyboard and I refuse to wear my glasses so typos are inevitable.

Anyway, I do agree with all the previous posts. When I had my vettes, I was in my 20's "without a thingy issue" and kinds grew tired of them.

Anyone can get a vette, but owing the SLK is a different experience, besides, with the Ben-ZEE you can speak with a decidedly pretentious and snobby yacht club voice, and of course, you have to rename your dog, Belvedere.

 

[ScottMarbella]

Damn! And I´ve just named my dog Peregrine! [xx(]

Fortunately, having sweated my way through several years of London office life I can adapt to any required language (yacht club; golf club; airport, hotel or restaurant VIP), before resortin´ to me natchral status an´ droppin´ all me aitches an´ vowels an´ suchlike back at ´ome.

(Snobbery is such a wonderful thing! Lucky I didn´t buy a Beamer!) [][][]

 

[Shinigami]

I have a cat named Whisky...









[]

 

[Motzkoman]

My pet is my SLK...[][^][]