My Maserati goes 185 . . . .

[97 SL320]

. . .I have a license and I still drive. . . . Well, not really a Maserati , a SL320 at 120 after someone in a newer Honda Accord knifing through traffic thought they were going to give me a push. . .

All in the name of science mind you. . . Rolling along at 65 a full throttle kickdown nets a 5 to 3 downshift and the motor just keeps pulling. . . all the way to at least 120. The car really does come into it's element at higher speeds, what feels like numb steering at 50 , is much better at speed. I've raced Formula Ford at those speeds and you can tell you are moving, with this car if feels more like half of that.

So, does anyone have road test data for a 97 SL320 with a M104 in line 6? How about a SL280 and SL500 ?

Thanks

[bwheitman]

I don't have any test data, but I recall my 96SL320 was very quick! I had a few drinks at dinner one night so my friend drove us home, when I glanced at the speedo I was shocked, but it made me smile, and at the same time telling him to slow down! I think we were above 130. I miss that car, easy to work on, just the right amount of tech. Great on gas and a pleasure to drive. I regret selling it. I feel the 320 will be the next collectible because its the last of that awesome M104 engine.