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.

__________________
Resistance is Futile.