560SL vs early 90's SL

[c43amg]

It's beginning to look as if the prices for the early '90s SLs (esp the 6 cylinders) are approaching those of the 560SL -- I would appreciate any views on these cars vs the 560SL (assuming, of course, a favorable PPI in both cases), esp driving experience and maintenance costs, being mindful of the early 140s maintenance expenses vs the 126s on the sedan front.

I note that the 300SL came with a manual in that period -- worth seeking out?

I was watching the prices too, tempting isn't it? It's no speed demon, but a 5-spd Merc droptop would be a kick!

I haven't read much, if anything on this forum about them. Be interesting to see.

Did a quick search and found this thread: 300SL

[Smalk]

In the past 5 months I sold an 1987 560SL and replaced it with a 1992 500SL. There is a world of difference between these two fine cars.

The 560, with roughly 230 horsepower, offers good power until you try the 500. At about 322 horsepower, the 500 is a little slugish off the line but from 40mph on up it is a beast! The suspension of the 500 seems to hold the road much, much better than the 560. I understand tha the 300 offers good power as well.

Being 6', I found the headroom in the 560 to be tight. There is plenty of room in the 500 however. I find the automatic soft top on the 500 to be so easy to use. I find I drive this car more often simply because of the ease of putting the top up.

The stock sound system in the 560 was weak, with just two small speakers. The 500 has about 6 speakers and sounds just fine (even with the dreaded Becker 1432 set up).

The 560 was terrific car for it's time. I love the classic styling and looks, maybe even more so than the 500. But the 500 is so much more car. I can see myself keeping this car for years (or a couple of months if I get a "wild hair). :-)

[-fad]

...drive an R129 vs. the older SL...the R129's chassis is world's ahead

-fad

There's a '92 500SL forsale in my local paper for $26K. Only details given are that it's red, chrome wheels and a phone. Who knows the condition, but that's an example of how prices on these babies have come down.