Monday 19th September 2011

Spotted: 2005 Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren

...Or would sir perhaps prefer his Mercedes fully German? Maybe an SLS AMG instead?

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So: SLS AMG or McMerc? The reason we ask is that, although there are differences between the two and they were built years apart, at the moment both cars are similarly priced. Hmmm...

This 2005 Mercedes SLR McLaren turned up in our classifieds recently, priced at £157,500, which compares in cost at least to this 2010 SLS at £154,995.

Of course, one is practically new whilst the other is five years old, and the SLR has covered 6250 miles - which is low but can't compete with the SLS's...erm...30, but in terms of performance there's not much in it.

Both should hit 60mph from standstill in around 3-point-something seconds and, if the SLS wasn't limited to 197mph, there would be a fair chance that it could get somewhere near the SLR's 207mph (although some testers do report that the SLR will go faster than that).

The SLR received some criticism from observers when it was launched for a cabin which, whilst far from shoddy, didn't quite seem fitting in a car which cost a shade under £300,000. On the other hand the interior of the SLS seems to have been a hit, so it's a win for the newer car on that front. But then again the SLR was developed and built by McLaren. The debate could run for some time...

It's a tough decision that's made even tougher when you consider that this 2007 Aston Martin Vanquish S 'Ultimate Edition' (one of 50) is a realistic and exclusive alternative at £149,995.

Showing just 1600 miles, the Aston is a fast car - although not quite in the same league as the Stuttgart/Woking machines. But if you like performance to come with more than a drop of exclusivity it's worth remembering that only 20 of the 50 Ultimate Edition Astons are right-hand drive...

[Numeric]

McMerc for investment, SLS for the joy.

[Mastodon2]

Has to be the Mclaren Mercedes SLR for me. I love the SLS but the SLR is one of my favourite supercars of all time, even after it fell so far from the plan McLaren originally set for it.

[chazwozza]

As a performance machine it will never compete, but I would never hesitate to take the Aston!

[Schnellmann]

Depends how much money you want to lose. SLR has lost 50% from new price so perhaps the "sensible" option, although looks don't do it for me and I recall the reviews being, at best, lukewarm.

The Vanquish S would be a good way of making yourself poorer as there are lots of others available for half the price. Of course, it has very low mileage but that means either you drive it, and watch the value drop like a stone, or you stick it in the garage and not use it (which doesn't seem very satisfying).

Most sensible option would perhaps be to buy a used AMG Merc for a fraction of the £150k and then buy some other toys (GT3?) with the change. That way you get mega-Merc plus a proper sportscar too.

[airportparking]

Got to be the SLR, built by an F1 team, also I have seen many many SLS mercs but only 2 SLRs, I think it's got the better engine note and presense aswell, interior isn't that bad either

[Boobonman]

I think the SLR would be my choice, far more exclusive and would turn more heads. I think there is a danger that the SLS is possibly the sort of car someone who wants the most expensive Merc in the showroom would drive, but the SLR has the pedigree and would mark you as someone who takes more of an interest. SLR guaranteed to be the best invested IMO too.

[mrclav]

I'd go with the McMerc - although the SLS sits wider and higher (although a tad shorter than the SLR) it's actually very cramped inside thanks to those gullwing doors.

[Owlwood]

The SLR still looks like it's been beamed back from the future...

[Veeayt]

Thrill of money syndrome?

[Wills2]

SLR, as anything with side exiting exhausts gets my vote.

Edited by Wills2 on Monday 19th September 09:07

[PaulMoor]

SLS. The Aston, whilst very nice to look at would keep me up at night with thoughts of the bills and depreciation. I know it's one of 50, but 50 of a trim level effectivly, so it may or may not matter for collectors, who knows, and only you would know. Everyone else would just see an Aston, so whats the point?

The SLR is a bit to... How to put this nicely... Arab prince for me. Also the SLR had some less than kind reviews and there has been nothing but glowing praise for the SLS.

[Maxige]

SLR of course!!!

[Jgtv]

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2642563.htm

Losing £35K in a few months and a little over a thousand miles, I personally think its a no brainer, The SLR as if you wait a few months you will get an SLS for about 100K.

Still it would take a lottery win for either of these to be an option for me any time soon so fk it, I would have them both.

[fatspleen]

SLS AMG every time. I wouldn't spend 157K on the SLR, a car that was somewhat of a compromise (A-Class steering rack!). The Vanquish is beautiful, but the SLS is a car you could use any time.

[beetroute]

Wills2 - It's your lucky day.

Bright red ..... Rear wheel drive .... Side exit exhaust ... Cruise control ... pops and bangs on the over-run like a good 'un ...

Yes, just £15k in used notes and my Mountfield rotary lawn mower is yours ! (Personalised grass-box available by separate negotiation)

[F1GTRUeno]

Surely with it being a Vanquish S, performance wouldn't be too far off at all.

Certainly VMAX is higher than the SLS (yes I know it's limited).

The Aston is by far and away the best looking as well.

Between the two Mercs it's no contest. I really like the new SLS, a lot more than I thought I would but it's nothing compared to the SLR. Having seen a black one on the road it's got amazing presence, plus that engine sound would never, ever get tiring. Add in the McLaren connection and even though it was never well received, it's a tempting proposition.

[Voguely]

I really wish making this decision was a 'problem' I had!

I reckon I'd go for the SLR for the sound alone.

[Wills2]

beetroute said:

Wills2 - It's your lucky day.

Bright red ..... Rear wheel drive .... Side exit exhaust ... Cruise control ... pops and bangs on the over-run like a good 'un ...

Yes, just £15k in used notes and my Mountfield rotary lawn mower is yours ! (Personalised grass-box available by separate negotiation)

I'll take it!

[sinbaddio]

SLR for me (as i wake up to the sound of screaming kids and the harshness of reality....)

[The Wookie]

mrclav said:

I'd go with the McMerc - although the SLS sits wider and higher (although a tad shorter than the SLR) it's actually very cramped inside thanks to those gullwing doors.

Funny enough I'd have said the opposite, the SLR seemed very cramped to me for such a huge car