From a SLK to a 370Z...
 

Did you own a Mercedes Benz SLK before the 370Z? If so, please share your observations. I currently have a SLK and am considering purchase of a 370Z.

Thanks in advance.

You'll love the 370Z coming from an SLK. I'm assuming you're looking at a roadster?

There is quite a large difference in performance in the two cars. The Z has much better feel and handles a lot better, it's also a good bit quicker.

My GF is an MB fanatic and we spent quite a bit of time looking at the SLKs.

Thanks. I am considering a coupe. Did you own a SLK and drive it for 10,000 miles or more?

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.

Thanks again. Hopefully I will hear from folks who have owned SLKs.

Ben, I have experience with the S and E classes but nothing specific with the SLK short of rides here and there. Both cars are nice and it really depends on what you want my friend. If you are looking for a ride that will provide you a more involved driving experience then the z fits the bill. If you are big into all the sensors and goodies(smoother suspensions, quieter ride, more body roll) in the Benz plus the statute that comes with it then you know which road to follow. I don't think you'll miss the $500 oil changes plus $1500+ maintenance costs for virtually anything else on the Benz should you decide to get a Z. Having said that, the Z is a better value car and is a lot more fun.

I also own a German Buick (E350). I am interested in comparisons of the 370Z with an R171 SLK from people who have owned both. Thanks.

I understand sir, hopefully you'll pick the Z once you get your comparison :tiphat:

Have you had a chance to test drive the Z yet?

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.

:rolleyes:

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.

My wife had a SLK55. Car is great for cruising and straight line acceleration, but it didn't handle nor was it cheap to maintain. We got rid of it for an SUV. It's a nice car in its own right, but it is not a track car

No. I did drive a 350Z a few years ago. There was a lot to like about it but I was turned off by the general lack of road feel through the steering. This may have been addressed in the 370Z. Once I narrow things down a bit, if the Z is still on the short list, I will definitely try to arrange a long enough test drive to form an opinion. There are very good cars that fit different people and their requirements differently. Thanks for the note.

I agree. A friend of mine owns a SLK. I wasnt behind the wheel of the car but was a passenger. It was a nice, smooth, quite ride. Not agile and nimble like the Z. SLK is a luxury coupe, Z on the other hand, is a %100 raw performance.

You should definitly test drive one. Good luck with the decision :tup: