SLS AMG vs 599 GTB

[sealtt]

Hi,

I am changing my cars around and am selling my M6 cabrio (2013 model) and looking for an exciting second car to have alongside a range rover sport which will be the daily driver / family car.

I would use this new car maybe 2-3 times per week, town driving generally, occasionally taking me + partner to London (2hrs away) when leaving the kid with babysitter. Some nice costal / countryside drives when able to, once or twice a month I'd guess.

I want something which looks the business, I am sure either one would turn heads which is fine, but I'd rather avoid jealous shouts of 'prick' which I know can happen. I want awesome noise, and to feel that I am driving something really special. I'd like to avoid too much depreciation.

I'd guess I can pick up an '07/'08 599 GTB for around £90k and an '11 SLS for around £100k.


SO please let me know if you have experience of these cars, there are some things I know I'll only be able to answer for myself, but other things would be great to hear from other owners about.

Thanks a lot.
RJ

[Camlet]

599 GTB = cool chic, awesome driving machine.

SLS AMG = pure bling, nice exhaust sound.

In 2020 = 599 GTB loved. SLS AMG forgotten.


There are no major gremlins. Find a great 599 GTB from a Ferrari dealer with FFSH and full warranty and enjoy pure class.

Disclaimer: I'm hopelessly biased

[ted 191]

I test drove both back to back, bought the 599.

[Thermonuclear]

I had an SLS and sold it soon afterwards.

Now have a 599 (albeit GTO) and I'm in love with it

[ModenaGTO]

Hi everyone, I'm new to Pistonheads and have just seen this post.

If you were splitting hairs, the gearbox in the SLS AMG isn't what you'd expect from a car of this standing but the 599 is near faultless - its was car of the year for many motoring press.

Plus I think it has a presence that will pass the test of time.

Have you driven them yet? That will probably determine it for you.

[TISPKJ]

HI, just to confuse further, I understand that you can get the software upgraded at the factory on the SLS for not a lot of money.
Not sure exact details but pal of mine VPR on here had it done and I understand it transforms the car.

[sealtt]

Well today I drove both and I loved certain things of both, but I can't say I am certain I could buy either as a head & heart decision... the SLS didn't feel quite special enough for the money, and the 599 felt a bit too hardcore. Would be great to get some owner's feedback on this.


SLS I found pretty similar to driving other cars I have at one time or another owned - M6, SL AMG, 911 Turbo, etc. in that when I was driving it normally, it felt somewhat like the manufacturer had taken a regular car and made it special by adding a big engine. However, when I pushed it a bit harder the quality of the chassis started to show through which you wouldn't get in say the SL, and it did feel like a lovely car to be driving - not mind blowing, but very nice. Best thing about the car has to be the noise, amazing.


After the SLS, I got in my M6 and drove to the 599, whilst the SLS and M6 seem to be on different ends of the sport/luxury spectrum, they still feel on the same spectrum. The 599 however felt as though it was in a totally different class of car. It felt like a true performance car and not a highly tuned regular car and that is what I at first loved, but is also perhaps a problem. I did have it in race mode most of the test drive (didn't realise until the end) but even dropping it down to 'sport', I can't imagine that if I wanted to go and grab lunch on my own I'd be bothered to go out in this car, i'd rather just go quietly in my daily driver, and I really want a car which I can use for errands no problem.


So given that where I live on the coast there is about 20 mins of 30mph zones before getting to any faster roads I had to question the 599 as I just don't know I could be bothered to drive it on many of my shorter journeys and it would end up living in the garage. As for the SLS, good though it is, it just wasn't a different enough experience vs my M6 for me to spend the money it costs.


The 599 would be worth the cash to upgrade as it is special enough, but I'm just concerned that it is too hardcore to bother using for little trips to cafes at lunch, driving to the office occasionally, sunday drives through the countryside, etc. Felt a touch all or nothing - as I'd expect a 458 to be, not much enjoyment in cruising (somewhat) sedately.

Anyway I'd love to hear some owners' opinions on this as my test drive experience was limited and maybe I got this wrong.

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 19:41

[Ballistic]

The sls is not a highly tuned regular car, it was the first 'clean sheet' design from AMG - the Just about to be launched GT being the second.
The engine is one of AMG's finest and is an absolute monster. It's also probably the end of an era as the new engine in the GT is a twin turbo v8
Can you tell that I'm a fan of the sls?
I'm not so sure that I'd be keen to use it for lots of short journeys as it takes a few miles for everything to get up to temp.

I can't help with the 599 as I've never driven one.

[Camlet]

sealtt said:

Well today I drove both and I loved certain things of both, but I can't say I am certain I could buy either as a head & heart decision... the SLS didn't feel quite special enough for the money, and the 599 felt a bit too hardcore. Would be great to get some owner's feedback on this.


SLS I found pretty similar to driving other cars I have at one time or another owned - M6, SL AMG, 911 Turbo, etc. in that when I was driving it normally, it felt somewhat like the manufacturer had taken a regular car and made it special by adding a big engine. However, when I pushed it a bit harder the quality of the chassis started to show through which you wouldn't get in say the SL, and it did feel like a lovely car to be driving - not mind blowing, but very nice. Best thing about the car has to be the noise, amazing.


After the SLS, I got in my M6 and drove to the 599, whilst the SLS and M6 seem to be on different ends of the sport/luxury spectrum, they still feel on the same spectrum. The 599 however felt as though it was in a totally different class of car. It felt like a true performance car and not a highly tuned regular car and that is what I at first loved, but is also perhaps a problem. I did have it in race mode most of the test drive (didn't realise until the end) but even dropping it down to 'sport', I can't imagine that if I wanted to go and grab lunch on my own I'd be bothered to go out in this car, i'd rather just go quietly in my daily driver, and I really want a car which I can use for errands no problem.


So given that where I live on the coast there is about 20 mins of 30mph zones before getting to any faster roads I had to question the 599 as I just don't know I could be bothered to drive it on many of my shorter journeys and it would end up living in the garage. As for the SLS, good though it is, it just wasn't a different enough experience vs my M6 for me to spend the money it costs.


The 599 would be worth the cash to upgrade as it is special enough, but I'm just concerned that it is too hardcore to bother using for little trips to cafes at lunch, driving to the office occasionally, sunday drives through the countryside, etc. Felt a touch all or nothing - as I'd expect a 458 to be, not much enjoyment in cruising (somewhat) sedately.

Anyway I'd love to hear some owners' opinions on this as my test drive experience was limited and maybe I got this wrong.

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 19:41

You test drive a 599 GTB and wonder if it's too hardcore for errands? Or that you're not sure because you've lots of short trips at 30 mph so you'll keep the 599 in your garage?

[sealtt]

Camlet said:

You test drive a 599 GTB and wonder if it's too hardcore for errands? Or that you're not sure because you've lots of short trips at 30 mph so you'll keep the 599 in your garage?

My concern: if the 599 is too hardcore to also be used as a fun & enjoyable way to drive around the suburbs.

For me performance cars are not just about racing around a track or driving to the south of France, I also enjoy listening to the engine note and being sat inside an incredible piece of machinery whilst doing my regular things. 80% of the time that I will drive it, the point will be to add something special, a bit of excitement, to the daily routine. That's why I love & buy performance cars. I'm sure many people buy them for other, more noble reasons and it might sound odd to you, but those are my reasons which is why I wanted to hear from people who owned these cars to know about such usability.

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:06

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:09

[lamboman100]

SLS is out of proportion and fugly with a so-so badge.

599 has bland looks.

At that ~100k pricepoint, nothing (nothing) turns heads or raises a smile like a Gallardo.

Good luck.

[Camlet]

lamboman100 said:

SLS is out of proportion and fugly with a so-so badge.

599 has bland looks.

At that ~100k pricepoint, nothing (nothing) turns heads or raises a smile like a Gallardo.

Good luck.

Or an Audi R8

[Camlet]

sealtt said:

Camlet said:

You test drive a 599 GTB and wonder if it's too hardcore for errands? Or that you're not sure because you've lots of short trips at 30 mph so you'll keep the 599 in your garage?

My concern: if the 599 is too hardcore to also be used as a fun & enjoyable way to drive around the suburbs.

For me performance cars are not just about racing around a track or driving to the south of France, I also enjoy listening to the engine note and being sat inside an incredible piece of machinery whilst doing my regular things. 80% of the time that I will drive it, the point will be to add something special, a bit of excitement, to the daily routine. That's why I love & buy performance cars. I'm sure many people buy them for other, more noble reasons and it might sound odd to you, but those are my reasons which is why I wanted to hear from people who owned these cars to know about such usability.

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:06

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:09

I use to frequently take my GTB in and out of Central London during rush hour. It never missed a beat and wafted along without a murmur..........and when I wanted its 612 bhp, it was available immediately. It can be Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde, depending on your mood. It is a bloody awesome car.

[SlartiF430]

sealtt said:

My concern: if the 599 is too hardcore to also be used as a fun & enjoyable way to drive around the suburbs.

For me performance cars are not just about racing around a track or driving to the south of France, I also enjoy listening to the engine note and being sat inside an incredible piece of machinery whilst doing my regular things. 80% of the time that I will drive it, the point will be to add something special, a bit of excitement, to the daily routine. That's why I love & buy performance cars. I'm sure many people buy them for other, more noble reasons and it might sound odd to you, but those are my reasons which is why I wanted to hear from people who owned these cars to know about such usability.

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:06

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:09

Get a DBS

[SlartiF430]

sealtt said:

My concern: if the 599 is too hardcore to also be used as a fun & enjoyable way to drive around the suburbs.

For me performance cars are not just about racing around a track or driving to the south of France, I also enjoy listening to the engine note and being sat inside an incredible piece of machinery whilst doing my regular things. 80% of the time that I will drive it, the point will be to add something special, a bit of excitement, to the daily routine. That's why I love & buy performance cars. I'm sure many people buy them for other, more noble reasons and it might sound odd to you, but those are my reasons which is why I wanted to hear from people who owned these cars to know about such usability.

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:06

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:09

Get a DBS

[erics]

sealtt said:

My concern: if the 599 is too hardcore to also be used as a fun & enjoyable way to drive around the suburbs.

For me performance cars are not just about racing around a track or driving to the south of France, I also enjoy listening to the engine note and being sat inside an incredible piece of machinery whilst doing my regular things. 80% of the time that I will drive it, the point will be to add something special, a bit of excitement, to the daily routine. That's why I love & buy performance cars. I'm sure many people buy them for other, more noble reasons and it might sound odd to you, but those are my reasons which is why I wanted to hear from people who owned these cars to know about such usability.

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:06

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:09

Go test drive an i8.

[MPC09]

sealtt said:

My concern: if the 599 is too hardcore to also be used as a fun & enjoyable way to drive around the suburbs.

For me performance cars are not just about racing around a track or driving to the south of France, I also enjoy listening to the engine note and being sat inside an incredible piece of machinery whilst doing my regular things. 80% of the time that I will drive it, the point will be to add something special, a bit of excitement, to the daily routine. That's why I love & buy performance cars. I'm sure many people buy them for other, more noble reasons and it might sound odd to you, but those are my reasons which is why I wanted to hear from people who owned these cars to know about such usability.

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:06

Edited by sealtt on Wednesday 10th September 22:09

It sounds like you want the best of both worlds but don't want to compromise if a car has a bias towards a particular aspect of motoring.

If you want special you're most likely going to have to drop the Mercedes badge and look at something like Ferrari, Aston or Maserati. Why don't you look at the Maserati GT? Maybe the extra weight on the car will give you that sense of wafting around whilst that V8 and interior will give you the sense of occasion you're looking for.

[ModenaGTO]

Have you considered a 430 or even a 360 as both are much easier to use for 'every day' use while still obviously giving a great driving experience?
There are some low mileage 430s within budget.

[cho]

Depends on whether you want to buy something where everyone knows you're driving something special/expensive/show-offy or if you want something for your own driving pleasure which doesn't necessarily mean taking it on track and thinking you're a driving god.

You've test driven both so really should be able to make up your mind based on your own needs. I suppose the important point is buy it for yourself and not to impress people. I haven't driven a 599 so obviously can't comment but do have an SLS and love it more the more I drive it. I jumped into that from a Bentley supersports and initial impressions were not good. Too noisy too much coming into the cabin etc but that was obviously because of what I had come out of.

I use mine as an everyday car and it is fine for driving around London and if you really want the attention it does that too. Obviously a Ferrari will stand out more but I wouldn't say that it is better engineering wise. Maybe has a bit more leather to cover the generic plastic bits.

Nobody seems to have mentioned mclaren mp4. Prices are around the same level and the interior looks special enough and also has those butterfly doors as well as a reputation for being able to do best of both worlds

Edited by cho on Thursday 11th September 12:52

[ModenaGTO]

What are your long term plans for the car?

If you're looking to change car again in a few years you'll need to consider its residual value and a Ferrari will always hold its price a lot better.