From a SLK to a 370Z...

FromG2Z · 06-01-2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Never owned one, but have driven one and that was enough to tell me it isn't really a sports car like the Z... it seemed more of a somewhat fun, cute roadster. The Z is far and away more performance oriented.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemers

That's a very limited source pool to pick from. I haven't seen anyone here that said they traded in an SLK for a Z. Hope you find someone.

Exactly. I don't need to own an SLK to be qualified to state my opinion (again, this is just my opinion....) that the Z is superior in all aspects. I too, looked at a used 2007 SLK before purchase of the Z. Wife and I test drove it overnight from a dealership here. The only things it holds over the Z were the more elegant name and look, and a fancy hard drop top.

Upon driving it for about 30 or so miles, I found the following nuances:

1) Interior quality is sub par
2) The shifter is very vague feeling and throws are very long. It just feels "loose".... compared to a notchy snick-snick feel of the Z or any other real sports car
3) The handling was boaty compared to the Z
4) The engine, though a 350 version, was very coarse.... at least I expected smoother from an MB. Put it this way, it's no BMW in terms of smoothness.
5) The car is very "chic"... my wife loved the look. But it's not really "manly" in all senses of the word.
6) Was also told/notified about high maintenance prices and bad overall quality.

Needless to say, we passed on it, returned it the next day, and continued on our search. The Z surpassed the SLK in all categories, particularly value, sportiness, looks, and ride.

Good luck with your decision.