Quote:
Originally Posted by Dolebludger  Paison:
I'm not XBarbarian, but I do own an SLK 280, and owned a Miata in the mid and late 90s, and so did my adult daughter. The SLK has been very reliable, and so has our '04 Mercedes C 320 sedan. Our former Miata was mechanically and electronically very reliable (not really much there to go wrong), but daughter and I both had the worst problem (IMO) anybody can have with a car. Paint problems. Peeling off in large areas. The Miata has a crude ride and is underpowered compared with the SLK 280, and the interior and trunk (boot) are cramped.
There isn't much difference in the exterior size of the cars, but the SLK is much nicer for road trips, as it does not have road or wind noise. My 94 year old father thinks it rides better than the C 320. Yet, it corners better than the Miata. As to straight line performance, I got very tired of being out-run by Honda Civics in the Miata. That is now at an end! Just look at the 0 to 60 times on even the new Miata. Quite a few seconds there. The SLK 280 is factory rated at 6.1 seconds, but I've done 0 to 60 runs in the mid 5s -- stock. Of course, cash outlay for a new SLK 280 is a bit more.
Also, I own a Honda S 2000, and believe that it is what the Miata was always SUPPOSED to be. Pure screaming sports car that takes corners at 70 that most other cars take at 40, and the Miata takes at 55 to 60 (if it can muster enough to power through them). To put the SLK in perspective, it takes those corners at 65, but in quiet and comfort. |
Sweet Comparison Dolebludger!
Yes, my '06 mx5 was a 3rd gen, so it had the 2.0L engine, 170hp, a nice upgrade from the past I'm told. I found it to be pretty quick, although I always loved the S2000, never got to drive one. I had the Bilsteins and Limited slip, and 17' wheels. It held the road very nicely. only 2300lbs though. And significantly smaller, true.
Was perfectly reliable for the 30 months I had it. Was everything I had hoped it would and more. I really did love that car. Never had issues with paint, as I had probably 30 layers of Zaino Z2 and Z5 on it. BUT, the SLK's began to catch my eye, and as I became able to step up to this class, it became my obsession to upgrade, and MAN, I cant be happier.
The Miata was a "cruder" ride as you put it. Good description. Very sporty, fun, functional. But 200 mile trips left a bit of tingle in the legs and ass from the ride.
The SLK, longer wheel base, even with the Sports Pkg ( AMG stuff sans motor 8 cyclinder ; lowered stiffer suspension ) rides firm, but undeniably german Mercedes ride. This car weighs alot more.. 3900lbs? I think, and that translates to glued to the road, but comfortable. I, normally a person verbose, am at a loss for words. i mean, it a frickin Mercedes; you just know that your in the Top of the Class ( <100k ) for a roadster.
Oh, another interesting note; you know at the deal closing, the finance d00ds have a few "vouchers" he called it... deal addons. Like Road Hazard warranty, etc. One of them was Guidepoint; like lojack, but better. I bought it and the installer came to my work today and installed it. Painless and took him 20 mins to do it. I have the option for the Security Fence; if the car gets towed, or moves > 1 mile without keys in it, they are notified and call my cell, no response, they call the Police. Seems like a nice feature, hopefully not redudant with Tele Aid