[truckbodyguy]

Hi all,

Never thought I would be interested in an SLK, but a friend was selling his 2003 SLK230, 6-speed. I had been shopping for Miata's after borrowing my brother's a few times...

While a very fun drive, I found the Miata small and spartan, not great for my daily driver. What a revelation to drive the SLK! I know you all know this, but what a fun car to drive! Power retractable hardtop is very cool, and the luxury features like heated seats etc. are a great bonus!

Looking forward to many commutes, and many weekend drives...

Anyone else compare the Miata and SLK and choose the Merc?

cheers,
Marty

 

[jbanks15]

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[etyu]

Cannot compare apples against oranges. Each vehicle fits different personalities and style. It comes down to what your specifications are and how each vehicle meets those demands.

 

[Dave54]

Welcome from Portland, Oregon. Enjoy the forum and the top down driving. Check out the SLK NW Group under the clubs section of the forum. They/we are based out of the Seattle area. Or if closer to the Portland area check out the Beaver State SLK's by going to Tools, Quick Links, Social Groups and then Beaver State SLK's.

 

[curro101]

Welcome from Madrid...

 

[raymond.harper]

I also have a manual 230. Before I had a Miata or MX5 as they are known this side of the pond. The gearbox on the Miata is far superior. I find the SLK manual box and clutch not the easiest to use. The Miata is the better drivers car. The handling is sublime and it is a much lighter car. However at high speeds and for long journeys the SLK is much better. The roof will not deafen you and your wife will be able to fit all her luggage in the trunk. The trunk on the Miata is tiny. When you drive a Miata you are aware it is a small car and perhaps more of a risk in an accident. I do miss my Miata for its handling but for longer journeys and safety the SLK is the better car.

 

[kingronnie]

Anyone else compare the Miata and SLK and choose the Merc?

cheers,
Marty

I've never driven a Miata, but when I started looking for a car I was convinced I wanted a 3.2 V6 Audi TT. That was until I drove an SLK that happened to be for sale locally. I haven't driven another TT since!

 

[Windrestrictor]

Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your new ride!

 

[LIL DON SLK]

Welcome from the Sacramento Valley SLK Enthusiasts!

 

[Idiot101]

Welcome from North Carolina!

 

[ichris93]

I also have a manual 230. Before I had a Miata or MX5 as they are known this side of the pond. The gearbox on the Miata is far superior. I find the SLK manual box and clutch not the easiest to use. The Miata is the better drivers car. The handling is sublime and it is a much lighter car. However at high speeds and for long journeys the SLK is much better. The roof will not deafen you and your wife will be able to fit all her luggage in the trunk. The trunk on the Miata is tiny. When you drive a Miata you are aware it is a small car and perhaps more of a risk in an accident. I do miss my Miata for its handling but for longer journeys and safety the SLK is the better car.

Have you changed your clutch fluid and bled it through the clutch? My 6-speed changed so after flushing the fluid and bleeding the clutch.

 

[mustbedreaming]

Hi and welcome from SW Florida. My husband just bought our neighbors 1995 Miata , it's in really good condition for being so old. Florida car, always garaged. It's got a standard transmission, which he liked driving. He's wanted one for a long time..I don't like Miatas, they are too small. Now we have 2 red convertibles in the garage, of course my SLK is prettier.

 

[dbgrn]

Hi Marty, and welcome from the UK Midlands!

As has already been said, the Miata and SLK are very different cars... we have members here that own both!

In fact, it was my son buying a Miata/MX5/Eunos last year that made me think about getting my SLK in the first place... I figured if he could have a 2-seater convertible, then why couldn't I? :tu:

 

[Reggie]

Mx5 or Slk

Hi All,
Mr Harper is spot on the MX5 is indeed a fabulous little car, drives like a ballistic roller skate & is an all out fun totally reliable car to own.

On the other hand the Slk is a sophisticated classy comfortable cruiser, boot is ok with roof up not so with the roof down, soft top MX5 doesn't have that problem, the Slk is quieter with the roof down than the MX5 is with the roof up.

Different vehicles in a different price bracket but both a pleasure to own.

 

[DAVIETHESCAFF]

Hi, welcome from Barrhead, Scotland. :smile:

 

[Andy916]

Hi Marty,

I had a Eunos (Japanese-market Miata) before my SLK, which was an extreme comparison: the Eunos was modified for track work so had adjustable but firm suspension, bucket seats, 4-point harnesses, partial removal of sound insulation and a steering wheel about two-thirds the diameter of the one on the SLK! Needless to say the SLK is a completely different experience on the road, especially for a long distance (haven't tried it on the track yet, but I'm considering doing so on 31 Jan - Donington Park, in case any other UK drivers are interested).

The gear shift is fine on my 350 6-speed, nice and slick; not quite such a short throw as that on the Miata, but sweet all the same.

 

[hasontour]

Hi from London,

Welcome aboard!

 

[Jasper ham]

Welcome and hi from the Wirral ?

 

[truckbodyguy]

Thanks for the warm welcomes all! Agree with the basic assessment - two different cars for two different purposes. Maybe there's room in my garage for both some day

 

[czv slk 230]

Greetings from New York!

I always wanted a 2 seater and was considering an mx5 with removable hard top being sold by a local mechanic. I am 6'2" and just made it in the driver's seat and the interior was really Spartan. Nice handling but would be using the car as a daily driver in NY traffic.

I saw an ad for a SLK 230 and figured as long as I was looking, why not give it a test drive. In the ad it was mis-listed as an automatic. It was really a 6 speed manual. I drove it home after the test drive. I paid twice as much for it as I would have paid for the mx5 but it is worth every penny. The drive is great. The comforts are even better and a retractable hardtop: sweet!