Is A 300sl Or A 500sl A Better Car?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

READ1157 · #1 03-24-2004, 08:02 PM

i AM LOOKING TO INCREASE MY CAR OWNERSHIP WITH A '90'S SL. dO YOU ALL HAVE FEELINGS AS TO A BETTER CAR TO SEARCH FOR. A '90'S 300SL OR HOLD OUT FOR A NEWER 500SL...

IN THE BIG PICTURE i AM SEARCHING FOR A 50'S 300SL WHICH I AM SURE I WILL FIND WITH PATIENCE.

MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP AND THOUGHTS.

READ

bobterry99 · #2 03-25-2004, 12:16 AM

A '90s 300SL is a wonderful choice and an outstanding value for the money. I currently own a pair of 300s as well as a '96 SL500, and I can't say I like any one of them more than the other. I really appreciate the power and refinement of the '96 with 300+ horsepower and its electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic, but I feel the 300s have considerably more character. Can't beat the sound of that I-6 and exhaust note revving at 3000 RPM in 3rd gear. And regarding performance, they perform quite nicely if you delay upshifts with manual control.

elau · #3 03-25-2004, 01:31 AM

I think the most important thing is which makes you the happiest.

READ1157 · #4 03-25-2004, 07:14 AM

Thanks for your feedback. Learning more about the multi-generations of the SL class and how MB introduced their classes has been a very fasinating study.

The 4th Generation ('90's or in MB terms R129) was a great return to the sports car design and character. From what I can learn todate the entire generation was a complete performer. There does not seem to be a period of time or year that had its problems.

The car period that seems to be most interesting is the early 300sl's to me. The return to the 6-cyl, the non- complex electronic systems, and the sounds of the engine. The ride is smooth as well.

So know the search continues for the early '90's 300sl. Thanks again for all you help.

jjrodger · #5 03-25-2004, 10:33 AM

There have been a great many posts in this forum about the relative merits of the 300/500. All other things being equal, the only advantage of a 500 is the increased performance. If performance is not relevant to you, then buy the best condition car you can find.

The 500 will not use much more fuel nor cost much more to maintain and insure than the 300.

I love my 500 because it is FAST!!

G-Benz · #6 03-26-2004, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by READ1157
IN THE BIG PICTURE i AM SEARCHING FOR A 50'S 300SL WHICH I AM SURE I WILL FIND WITH PATIENCE.

Money is more a factor than patience...everyone has a price.

tecqboy · #7 03-26-2004, 09:04 PM

I own a 1991 300SL, but I've had several opportunities to drive a friend's 95 500SL. The cars "feel" charactoristically similiar. That is, they handle and ride pretty much the same. The V8 engine has a whole lot more low end torque which pulls away from a stop quick and effortlessly. The I6 has to be "worked" a little harder. If you force a first gear start from the 5 speed automatic ( the V8 has only a 4 speed ) and then shift it up manually while keeping the rev's up, it will also excellerate quite briskly, although not as fast as the 500SL. The I6 is so smooth and sounds great. On the highway the 300SL is responsive and a great drive. You can drop it into 4th, press the pedal down and go from 50 to 100 almost instantly. The 300SL really comes alive above 3000 rpm's. So, I actually enjoy driving the 300SL more than the 500SL because I do actually have to "drive" the car and become a bit more involved in the driving experience. With a lite foot, the 300SL gets about 20 mpg overall, and will reach about 26 mpg on a highway trip. Keep in mind, they all burn premuim.