noregret4life

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If you're looking for an SUV in that range, check out the Infinity FX35. Test drove a few and really liked the performance/handling. Looks like an SUV, feels like you are in one... but moves like a sports car. was impressed

noregret4life

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I think i'll opt for an SLK55 AMG in the future...
I am very happy with the 350, so i could only imagine what a 55amg would feel like.

It has always been my goal to own an AMG, no matter which Benz class i owned at the time. However i have been making some progress in engine sizes and class. 230Komp > 320 > 350

Ynot

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I agree with NG4L, get the FX35, it's very similiar to the Nissan Murano (that's my baby hauler) but a little more horses and sportier. In Colorado, Murano's or MO's as most owners call them, are everywhere. I was the second person to get it at my work but now every 3rd parking space is a MO. One of them thinks the MO is a ferrari b/c he takes up two parking spaces in the front parking lot. I was in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago and counted 25 MO's in a day, we stop counting b/c they were everywhere. Anyone, if I could do it over again, I would get a FX, looks better, sportier, more exclusive.

RacerCub68

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Please Note: I am used to the handling of mid-engine cars, which oversteer if you give them too much, or too little power. I prefer that feeling, and am better able to control a car that oversteers all the time. I tend to get more satisfaction out of cornering then I do out of raw accelleration.

Please note as well that I am comparing from an SLK350 equiped with sport suspension, and run-flat tires which have stiffer sidewalls... Not from a regular SLK350 with regular tires. The SLK55 I drove did NOT have the Nurburgring suspension and brake package.

That being said, the SLK55, to me, understeers more then the evenly balanced SLK350, and the turn in isn't as crisp feeling. I suspect this has to do with the more weight up front, as well the stiffer springs and bearings. Remember: Stiffer in front invites understeer, softer in front invites oversteer. I'm sure a good tuner could recalibrate it to give the oversteer I prefer, and you can always use the car's power to override the understeer.

When it comes to power, there is no doubt the 350 can't compare. I was passing 85 MPH at 8 seconds and I could barely keep hold of the steering wheel it was pushing me back so hard. Don't worry about the manual, you could not shift as fast as the AMG automatic.

It is entirely freaky to drive it because it sounds like a Corvette or a worked Mustang V8, but yet it doesn't shake and rattle all over. I was not used to the sensation, my S500 was always quiet even when putting down 396 lbs. ft. of torque.

On the track, there is no question the higher power would allow the SLK55 to lap faster then the 350. I feel the 350 could make it through the corners faster (lighter weight always works better there) but that the power advantage will keep the SLK55 always pulling away down the straights. The SLK55 with the Nurburgring suspension and brakes would probably be untouchable.

Is the SLK55 worth the extra money? I think so, but not for my specific wants. I am better served with my 350 being a daily driver, and using the price difference to apply to a Porsche 930 (that has WICKED oversteer, pant, pant) that I can prep for track use only. I have driven dual purpose cars for a while, and want to get away from that so I can compete better.

The SLK55 certainly has a nicer interior and exterior look then the regular SLK350. It also has the exclusivity and the higher performance.

I could barely get 12 MPG out of the SLK55, and I am pretty sure I would kill myself with it's power. As a track car, it would be fine, but on the street I am not sure I would use it wisely. Had a certain Mars Red SLK55 not have been ordered with NAV deleted, I probably would have bought it instead, however. To order one, my practical side kept butting in.

What all this wordy tome says is it all depends on what you're looking for and what you are used to. Drive it and find out!

The SLK63 will weigh about 100 lbs. lighter in front, so it may be a different ball game as far as balance and handling goes.

My observations are just that. My opinion and observation. I have no actual data to prove what I said is the absolute truth. I am just relaying what I though when driving both cars back to back.

Has anyone seen a direct comparison of the SLK350 and SLK55 on the same track?

PS: The SCCA class guide considers the 350's handling, and the 55's power to be almost a wash. Both cars compete against each other in the A STOCK class, as does the R170 SLK32 AMG.

All the other R170 SLKs and the R171 SLK280 are in the B Stock class.

RacerCub68

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One of my client's got rid of his 2 year old FX35. He liked it, but he said it was the worst ding magnet ever. No matter how carefully he parked it would get more and more dings and dents. He thinks his new M35 is better, and he considers it safer as it is far more stable at highway speeds.

noregret4life

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racercub68, thanks for all the info on the SLK350 and 55AMG.

I am running the sports suspension on mine, however not sure about this stiff sidewalls on my Pirelli Nero's (not an expert on wheels/tires)
I really like the feel of the sports suspension, and felt the difference the first test drive i took in the car.

I also like the oversteer, and thus can control it fairly well too.

However i never thought the SLK55 AMG (based on your experience) would have that much of an affect on the front end on cornering VS the 350. I was aware of the weight difference, however always thought that the AMG suspension would counter this issue.