2008 conv VS Mercedes 55 AMG

iron

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Car ran closer to me than I expected from 100-150 MPH. Below those speeds was a "blow away" by me (30-80 MPH especially - and when only running up to about 100 MPH), but one time from 100-150 MPH seemed to stay quite near through that 100-150 MPH speed range.

Pretty sure it was mod'ed (wheels were quite diff - looked like a young runner-type driving) ... and then also subsequently read that they are very aerodynamic ... and therefore their strength was in that speed range. Still peeved me to be even close but all else so far is being blown away. I am not thrashing it whatsoever, but am hitting top RPM now with 600 miles on it. Still have to have ideal atmosphere (like my '06) for tires to not hop hitting it from 1st gear into 2nd ... but like tires far better overall.

Thoughts on the Mercedes or otherwise?
 

2MANYTOYS

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Car ran closer to me than I expected from 100-150 MPH. Below those speeds was a "blow away" by me (30-80 MPH especially - and when only running up to about 100 MPH), but one time from 100-150 MPH seemed to stay quite near through that 100-150 MPH speed range.

Pretty sure it was mod'ed (wheels were quite diff - looked like a young runner-type driving) ... and then also subsequently read that they are very aerodynamic ... and therefore their strength was in that speed range. Still peeved me to be even close but all else so far is being blown away. I am not thrashing it whatsoever, but am hitting top RPM now with 600 miles on it. Still have to have ideal atmosphere (like my '06) for tires to not hop hitting it from 1st gear into 2nd ... but like tires far better overall.

Thoughts on the Mercedes or otherwise?


Was it a E55 or S55? Those AMG cars when modded can put a hurtin on you if your not careful. There's a guy in Tenn that's got one with 600 plus at the wheels. Those things are badass.
 

Austin

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Yes it is. I've driven an SL65 that was Renntech'd. They're heavy, but the torque is crazy. SL55's are quite quick as well.




Should have been a SL65. Now that would be a nice race!! I always wanted to drive one of those. The torque must just be insaine!
 

Viper X

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E-55 is 300 to 400 or so lbs lighter and faster than an SL-55.

Don't try one from a dead stop unless you are very good off the line.....even then it will be close and if you screw up, it will pull you. I have one. Fun to waste Vettes, Ferrari's, Porches and Vipers (most) on the back roads of Mexico of course.

Dan
 

FikseGTS

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there are some out there that can trap 125 MPH.... new they were $115k or so, they don't make them anymore, you can get em now in the $50's....



Pretty sure it was a SL-55. From all of these posts they obviously are adrn quick/fast. How much would that car cost?
 

bglmn92

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I've got an 06 SLK55. They do high 12's stock. I remember being incredibly impressed the first time I jumped on it
from 50 mph.

As little as the SLK's are, it still weighed in at 3600lbs.

As far as the amenities: an SLK compared to a Vette would
be like comparing a Vette to a Viper. (The air scarf lets you
cruise comfortably top down in 40 degree temperatures. All those
hardtops disappear in seconds.)

My 06 originally listed for just over 70K. (They grab
almost as much attention as the Viper.) :2tu:
 
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iron

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Thanks guys - interesting. I knew they were quick/fast from a ways back ... now I know far more in detail. Moderator can delete the thread if he/she wishes, should use the bandwidth on all Vipers.

Besides, I'd like to think my 600 HP is one of the badder arses out there. It sure is a jumpy thing awaiting being pegged. And even in those cost numbers, near all comparable Mercedes cost a considerable amount more for their bang (apples to apples ... in terms of model year / HP / performance).

Though I knew about the SLK too (and possible cost exception), as I dated a gal with one. She was a maniac ... and it flat out flew (when we would "hit it" when I was alongside her in my '06).

Thanks again all.
 

CCBrian

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I owned a 2006 SLK55 and beat a 04 Viper from a standing start...they hook up and have traction control-he actually lost control and hit a curb at 40 mph (it was a 55 mph zone) on a cold night and totalled his car...a complete idiot as all he had to do was let off the gas and stand on the brakes. I have a E63 (507 h.p.) and it takes no skill to run a 12.0 1/4 mile time after time...just stand on it and go.In cold weather it would walk away from my ACR due to traction. Don't underestimate these cars!
 
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iron

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Have to comment on the traction as that is so true. Takes some skill and good atmospheric conditions (mostly warmed tires and over certain degree temps).

Also agree that while the SLK is a nifty-looking car, not near the attention-getter as a Viper.

ABOVE - what year ACR (HP)?
 

CCBrian

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Have to comment on the traction as that is so true. Takes some skill and good atmospheric conditions (mostly warmed tires and over certain degree temps).

Also agree that while the SLK is a nifty-looking car, not near the attention-getter as a Viper.

ABOVE - what year ACR (HP)?

I have a 2008 ACR down at DC Performance (its the Red/blk one he had posted pictures of)I am picking back up later this week. Dan dyno'd a baseline RWHP @ 567hp/524 tq. We had a roll bar installed and a bunch of other mods-including new Mopar ECU and Bellangers/high flow cats. Its gettng dyno'd tomorrow with everything installed-can't wait to see the numbers.My wife-who has an SCCA Race license, will be open tracking the car this year.
 

FastZilla

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the 55 AMG cars were supercharged. Like any factory supercharged car it dosen't take much $$$ or time to pull outrageous HP out of one. The 6.X series AMGs (new ones) are back to normally aspirated engines therefore significant HP gains will cost much $$$.

The E55 AMG was the nemisis for the SRT8's - all because of that darn SC. It's amazing how much different that 50+ HP made. Nonet the less modding the SRT8s was easy, cheap & returned insane pwr gain - ie: 6 psi of boos from a $6500 SC kit consistantly netted 515+ rwhp - back in 2006-7 that combined with traction control and stability control was a Viper slaying combo - imagine the numbers with an intercooler and 15 psi of boost. Not too shabby for a $43k car + $6500 SC = $49.5k.

The key to the Benz's speed in the 55 series is the SC. The 63/65 cars will be much more predictable - unless the owner has a ton of $$$ - then listen for that familiar SC whine.
 

pe5787

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I own both an 09 SL63 and an 08 ACR and the SL is slower but the SL63 is much easier to drive fast. With the new 7 speed its not that far behind the Viper in a straight line.
 

albinonile

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the e55 is a fantastic ride and a bargain right now---I am always watching for a nice one. You can find them for 30k for an 04-05. Most people who own one say it is one of the best cars they have ever owned. Its not a viper, but a very cool car.
 
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iron

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Thanks to Brian who has an interesting profile also. And to all of you others for more REAL LIFE facts and experiences.

My fiance' should have gotten an '04-'05 E, instead of her '09 Solstice. Of course right now she is also driving my '06 Viper and the little doll jumped me in my '08 and blew me off the line (I was not "on it", but still ... there "little girl" ... )- hahaha.

And I go 235 and she 105, so she is gaining back some HP there too :)

Thanks again guys, great stuff from experience, not hype or hearsay.
 
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VENOMNS

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I own a E63 and let me tell you.. that 517 hp would give a gen 3 stock a run for its money.... A guy just pulled an 11.7 STOCK in an E63. And the E55 with some money into it is in the high to low 11's, but I would never own a mercedes out of warranty!! :D
 

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I own and drive daily, an E55 (with a few tweaks).. Fabulous cars... And yes, nasty torque... I will take most stock Vipers, unless driver is talented. I take my family out to dinner in an 11 second car = priceless.
 

Snakester

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The SL55, CL55s and E55s are actually great deals today. I've seen used SL55s for less than $35K, and E55s for less than $30K ( under 40K miles). They are consistently fast, but they range more towards comfort and straight-line speed, than being nimble. ;)
 

TAXIMAN1

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The SL55, CL55s and E55s are actually great deals today. I've seen used SL55s for less than $35K, and E55s for less than $30K ( under 40K miles). They are consistently fast, but they range more towards comfort and straight-line speed, than being nimble. ;)

there are some that just will not own these cars w/o warranty... But truth be told. I have a 2006 with with 25,500 miles on it... And to date, have had ZERO problems with it.. ZERO.. I think a suspension light came on once, and the dealer had it fixed in 5 minutes while I was in the waiting room. So, I really cant define that as a problem... The best all around, car I've owned..
 

Fast Viper

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I couldn't agree more with TAXIMAN1. I haven't had a single issue with my SL55 and I drive it everyday. However, I do believe the importance of having a factory/aftermarket warranty should not be underestimated, for when a problem arises in your AMG, you will be paying BIG bucks. Parts and labor are not cheap on these cars.
 

1BADGTS

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I own and drive daily, an E55 (with a few tweaks).. Fabulous cars... And yes, nasty torque... I will take most stock Vipers, unless driver is talented. I take my family out to dinner in an 11 second car = priceless.
Definately ,my girlfriend owns an E-55 and a buddy has an SL-65.Flat out ANY VIPER stock but a GEN 4 is fair game (and that GEN 4 Viper owner had better be a great driver ).Two years ago in 100 degree heat i personally witnessed an SL-65 run 11.7 at Englisht.The make A TON of power and torque as evidenced by the fact that they can run mid 11s at way over 4000 lbs.
 
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