Greetings! And a mini-poll: R170 vs R171

igosuperfast · 09-06-2007

Hey everyone!

After weeks of passive perusal I've decided join up!

To commemorate this event, got a question for you folks..

As a very proud owner of an SLK 320

, I've always thought the R170s looked better than the R171s, which in my opinion seems a little too sleek. What do you guys think? Obviously performance-wise the 171's engine will blow mine out of the water, better handling, etc. But purely on a surface beauty level, what's your take? R170? R171? Both?

**etyu** · 09-06-2007

Welcome Igosuperfast.

Ynot · 09-06-2007

Welcome..

I'm not going to make many new friends with the r170 crowd, never been a fan of that model, both cosmetically and performance wise. The r171 looks small and the r170 looks even smaller, not very aggressive, not enough curves. Never even notice it until I owned the r171. But my opinions are biased and probably not worth much.

Ikarus · 09-06-2007

Side by side with a R171, the R170 looks too boxy for my taste. It's not because it's the older model. I still like the BMW E46 3-series sedan way better than its E90 successor.

igosuperfast · 09-06-2007

I think my biggest issue with R171s is their nose/face. The back and profile look great, but the SLR nose is not particularly inspiring for me.

Ikarus · 09-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by igosuperfast

I think my biggest issue with R171s is their nose/face. The back and profile look great, but the SLR nose is not particularly inspiring for me.

Whether or not one likes the nose, I don't think there can be a disagreement that this is what sets the design apart. I do love it, but I can see why some folks would disagree. I'm wondering though - what do you find "inspiring" about the front of the R170?

igosuperfast · 09-06-2007

The wide uninterrupted grille and the power bulges are what i find most appealing. I do think most the newer wrinkles are nice on the R171, like the shape of the headlights, it's just the beak that breaks up the front grille that I really can't get over. Obviously, there is a lot of personal preference in this.

MarkR171 · 09-06-2007

R171 by far! I never did like the styling of the 170, too boxy and plain. It lacked character.

**DansSlk** · 09-06-2007

171 for sure but I'm not a fan of the nose, headlamps or on the 55 AMG the overkill front bumper but the rest of the car more than makes up for it.

I saw a photoshopped SL with an SLK nose once and then it looked really good i think SL headlamps on the SLK would make the nose look perfect or the removal of most of the nose would help the headlamps.

As for the bumper AMG should start fitting the AMG pack bumper from the other SLK's it looks much better.

**alroumi** · 09-06-2007

Welcome to the forum, honestly both cars look terrific and the SLK R170 has aged well for 11 years though I am startting to preffer the much rounded rear of the R171.

Ikarus · 09-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

As for the bumper AMG should start fitting the AMG pack bumper from the other SLK's it looks much better.

Indeed. The only bumper that looks even better is the standard bumper. *puts on flame suit and runs for cover*

**DansSlk** · 09-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarus

Indeed. The only bumper that looks even better is the standard bumper. *puts on flame suit and runs for cover*

See the standard bumper looks a little too luxury car to me i prefer the more aggressive lines on the sports bumper they give the front a more powerful look.

The side vents should still be included from the AMG bumper however because not only do they look really cool but they are functional.

**reallife** · 09-06-2007

great looking cars. Whenever I see a R170 I turn my head to look at it, for sure. No shame in owning and driving the older model, IMHO. Either car is a standout in a crowd of sports cars.

**-1-** · 09-06-2007

I'm a SLK fan. I like them all. I liked the R170 from day one. When I saw my first R171, WOW! I like them all, but partial to the REFINED R171. Excuse me for staring, but like RealLife, I look at them all. I like the overall styling of the R171, but that nose with the slanted three pointed star is HOT!

mtiede · 09-06-2007

When the R171 first came out, I said "They ruined the R170's beautiful simple lines!" But I have to admit, the nose has grown on me (so to speak). I find myself stopping much more often to just re-admire the lines of the R171 than I ever did for the R170.

They are both nice, but I really like the R171 better.

VitaminT · 09-07-2007

I voted for both. I really wanted to buy a R170 a few years ago from a lady at work. She had a 99 I think it was, dark red (may even be the same color I have now), had the AMG pak, and of course the top was way cool but man I could not stand the 240 kompressor coupled with the auto trans. I mean like repulsed by it. So in the end I didn't get it. I will say I don't like the R170 as much as I like the 171 as te interior is kindof cheesy.

I would not own either without the AMG pack or it being an AMG as to me both the 170 and 171 look sissy or not sporty enough.

Ynot · 09-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaminT

I would not own either without the AMG pack or it being an AMG as to me both the 170 and 171 look sissy or not sporty enough.

Same here, if the SLK350 didn't have the AMG kit option, I would be driving something different.

Baron7700 · 09-07-2007

I wanted to be politically correct and say all are awesome, but i went with 171, being slightly biased. Altho when the 170 was still in production in was (is) a ***y car. It was nice to see it in the driveway. BUT NOTHING looks like the 171, and practically everyone who comments on it when im around town thinks its a 100G+ car.

I dont discourage, nor agree when they ask

**Cruzer 8** · 09-07-2007

Considering the different looks the R171 they changed it entirely though longer wider and different engines the R170 will always be known as the first and up here we call them the classic body and the 171 the new wave. Remember the 171 would not be here if it wasn't for the 170.
I voted for both.

Ikarus · 09-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaminT

I would not own either without the AMG pack or it being an AMG as to me both the 170 and 171 look sissy or not sporty enough.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I probably would not own an R171 if they all had the AMG look. I tend to err on the side of understatement rather than the other extreme of "in your face". The AMG body kits look borderline "Ricer" in my book.

View Poll Results: Which SLK is the better looker?
R170 -Got Soul?	17	16.50%
R171 -Damn ***y	64	62.14%
ALL SLKs are freaking awesome	22	21.36%
Voters: 103. You may not vote on this poll

09-06-2007	#1 (permalink)
igosuperfast SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA Vehicle: 2001 SLK320 Other Toys: Too many! Posts: 20 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Greetings! And a mini-poll: R170 vs R171 Hey everyone! After weeks of passive perusal I've decided join up! To commemorate this event, got a question for you folks.. As a very proud owner of an SLK 320 , I've always thought the R170s looked better than the R171s, which in my opinion seems a little too sleek. What do you guys think? Obviously performance-wise the 171's engine will blow mine out of the water, better handling, etc. But purely on a surface beauty level, what's your take? R170? R171? Both?

09-06-2007	#2 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,306 Country: Thanks: 381 Thanked 283 Times in 174 Posts	Welcome Igosuperfast. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

09-06-2007	#9 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,797 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 227 Times in 179 Posts	171 for sure but I'm not a fan of the nose, headlamps or on the 55 AMG the overkill front bumper but the rest of the car more than makes up for it. I saw a photoshopped SL with an SLK nose once and then it looked really good i think SL headlamps on the SLK would make the nose look perfect or the removal of most of the nose would help the headlamps. As for the bumper AMG should start fitting the AMG pack bumper from the other SLK's it looks much better. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

09-06-2007	#10 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,288 Country: Thanks: 298 Thanked 233 Times in 147 Posts	Welcome to the forum, honestly both cars look terrific and the SLK R170 has aged well for 11 years though I am startting to preffer the much rounded rear of the R171. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

09-06-2007	#3 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	Welcome.. I'm not going to make many new friends with the r170 crowd, never been a fan of that model, both cosmetically and performance wise. The r171 looks small and the r170 looks even smaller, not very aggressive, not enough curves. Never even notice it until I owned the r171. But my opinions are biased and probably not worth much.

09-06-2007	#4 (permalink)
Ikarus Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: 2006 SLK 280 w. 6M Other Toys: 2000 New Beetle GLS w. 5M Posts: 596 Country: Thanks: 18 Thanked 40 Times in 20 Posts	Side by side with a R171, the R170 looks too boxy for my taste. It's not because it's the older model. I still like the BMW E46 3-series sedan way better than its E90 successor.

09-06-2007	#5 (permalink)
igosuperfast SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA Vehicle: 2001 SLK320 Other Toys: Too many! Posts: 20 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think my biggest issue with R171s is their nose/face. The back and profile look great, but the SLR nose is not particularly inspiring for me.

09-06-2007	#7 (permalink)
igosuperfast SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA Vehicle: 2001 SLK320 Other Toys: Too many! Posts: 20 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The wide uninterrupted grille and the power bulges are what i find most appealing. I do think most the newer wrinkles are nice on the R171, like the shape of the headlights, it's just the beak that breaks up the front grille that I really can't get over. Obviously, there is a lot of personal preference in this.

09-06-2007	#8 (permalink)
MarkR171 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Vehicle: '07 SLK280 Posts: 210 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	R171 by far! I never did like the styling of the 170, too boxy and plain. It lacked character.

09-06-2007	#13 (permalink)
reallife Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Gig Harbor, WA Vehicle: 2006 SLK 55 Posts: 154 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I think both the R170 and the R171 are ... great looking cars. Whenever I see a R170 I turn my head to look at it, for sure. No shame in owning and driving the older model, IMHO. Either car is a standout in a crowd of sports cars.

09-06-2007	#14 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,231 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	I'm a SLK fan. I like them all. I liked the R170 from day one. When I saw my first R171, WOW! I like them all, but partial to the REFINED R171. Excuse me for staring, but like RealLife, I look at them all. I like the overall styling of the R171, but that nose with the slanted three pointed star is HOT! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

09-06-2007	#15 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,645 Thanks: 102 Thanked 55 Times in 45 Posts	When the R171 first came out, I said "They ruined the R170's beautiful simple lines!" But I have to admit, the nose has grown on me (so to speak). I find myself stopping much more often to just re-admire the lines of the R171 than I ever did for the R170. They are both nice, but I really like the R171 better.

09-07-2007	#16 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I voted for both. I really wanted to buy a R170 a few years ago from a lady at work. She had a 99 I think it was, dark red (may even be the same color I have now), had the AMG pak, and of course the top was way cool but man I could not stand the 240 kompressor coupled with the auto trans. I mean like repulsed by it. So in the end I didn't get it. I will say I don't like the R170 as much as I like the 171 as te interior is kindof cheesy. I would not own either without the AMG pack or it being an AMG as to me both the 170 and 171 look sissy or not sporty enough.

09-07-2007	#18 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,601 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I wanted to be politically correct and say all are awesome, but i went with 171, being slightly biased. Altho when the 170 was still in production in was (is) a ***y car. It was nice to see it in the driveway. BUT NOTHING looks like the 171, and practically everyone who comments on it when im around town thinks its a 100G+ car. I dont discourage, nor agree when they ask

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09-07-2007	#19 (permalink)
Cruzer 8 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Vehicle: 07 SL 550 Mars Red Posts: 579 Country: Thanks: 32 Thanked 58 Times in 28 Posts	Considering the different looks the R171 they changed it entirely though longer wider and different engines the R170 will always be known as the first and up here we call them the classic body and the 171 the new wave. Remember the 171 would not be here if it wasn't for the 170. I voted for both. __________________ GENE ---- See My Pic's To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.* SL 550 Mars Red