What’s the most suitable option for a youngtimer sport automobile ? Mercedes SL R230 (2001-2011) or the Porsche 911 996 (1997-2004)? The reply to this query is a dilemma for automobile fanatics for generations. Auto motor und sport Journal has performed a comparative check and is attempting to offer a solution.
Picture: Auto motor und sport
Since 1963, when first technology Porsche 911 was launched, Mercedes SL and Porsche 911 compete in the identical worth and efficiency class even when they’ve totally different characters. Since 1963, six generations of Mercedes SL and 7 generations of Porsche 911 have delighted many individuals who couldn’t afford to purchase the most recent technology however for whom these fashions are dream vehicles.
The check carried out by the German journal auto motor und sport places nose to nose Mercedes SL R230 and Porsche 911 996 which might be discovered at costs of about 15000 euros and 20,000 euros respectively. These vehicles are comparatively younger if we glance to the manufacturing 12 months and their delusion shines nearly as brightly as that of their illustrious predecessors. Their design is fascinating and the facility of 300 HP is respectable even right now.
However however the lower cost has its explanations. Connoisseurs are bothered by the not-so-classic Porsche 911 design and the fried egg form of the headlights (personally is the one Porsche 911 I don’t like) in addition to the inside too near Boxster. And within the case of SL, connoisseurs don’t just like the four-eyed face or the fluid kinds near these of SLK. And weren’t there any issues with the 911’s first water-cooled engine?
Mercedes SL is painted within the particular colour Blue Topaz, the inside is roofed in blue leather-based and has 71654 km on board. The air intakes on the wings are paying homage to the 300 SL with butterfly doorways and usually are not solely a design function but additionally have a purposeful function. The feather form contributes to an excellent CX of 0.29 whereas the rear half is paying homage to the Mercedes SLK R170. Nonetheless, the then designer Peter Pffeifer managed to design a particular aura in response to SL’s requirements.
As for the Porsche 911, the design appears extra unified than the Mercedes SL and solely the quick wheelbase doesn’t match this profitable creation of Hurt Lagaay. It completely simulates a shifting fluid physique though the Cx is simply 0.30. This 911 is a particular one being one of many 1963 copies of the restricted sequence “40 years 911” produced in 2004. It is usually distinguished by the 18-inch polished rims and the silver paint Carrera GT.
This explains the comparatively excessive worth of 59,900 euros as a result of along with exclusivity, the automobile is in good situation and solely shows 32042 km on the LCD display screen on board. And the 5 intertwined dials that now embody a water temperature indicator are excellent.
The creator considers that water cooling just isn’t solely a bonus for sound insulation and emissions but additionally for energy. Thus, energy elevated from 272 to 300 HP/6800 rpm whereas the displacement was diminished from 3.6 to three.4 liters. On the facelift in 2002 the displacement returned to three.6 liters and the facility elevated to 320 HP, whereas the restricted sequence “40 years 911” has 345 HP.
The water-cooled engine of the Porsche 911 didn’t have the mechanical fragility of the air-cooled one as a result of the Porsche engineers didn’t skimp on the camshafts and valves and launched the direct actuation of the valve by bucket tappets.
The variety of valves just isn’t so essential for Mercedes SL R230 which attracts its energy from the bigger displacement. Till the 2006 facelift, the M113 V8 engine had solely two camshafts, 16 valves and two spark plugs per cylinder. After the facelift, the 5.5-liter M273 V8 engine develops 388 HP.
The creator is amazed at how shut 911 and SL got here collectively: there is no such thing as a longer a duel between a driver automobile and a snug convertible. Each fashions are like two subtle consolation saloon and if the Porsche 911 would have the tiptronic automated transmission that was not out there within the restricted sequence ’40 years 911′, they’d be even nearer as a result of the SL gained considerably when it comes to driving dynamics as a consequence of multlink rear axle and new rack and pinion steering.
And however, the Porsche 911 gained quite a bit when it comes to consolation as a result of the multilink rear axle and energy steering tempered its sudden oversteer response. In these circumstances, 911 doesn’t want all-wheel drive, which additionally brings an extra of weight.
Mercedes impresses with the consolation and nonchalance with which it delivers energy. By comparability, a 911 convertible is nearly twice as costly in contrast with the coupe model. The 911 fascinates with its engine sound, maneuverability, gearbox accuracy and the best way it delivers energy whereas the SL lacks the standard sound of a V8.
Each are wonderful cruise vehicles however Mercedes affords a sense of house and highway consolation superior to Porsche. As an alternative, Porsche attracts the client with the important thing positioned to the left of the steering wheel, it’s extra incisive and extra spontaneous than Mercedes. However the dream of driving outside might be fulfilled at Mercedes for a a lot smaller quantity.
In SL you’re feeling like in a glider, you possibly can drive very relaxed and at all times really feel the facility of the V8 beneath the pedal. However switching to 911 is deadly as a result of it challenges you, it’s extra brutal and pure ardour makes its means.
