'Leave the intangible stuff until last' is the first line in my notes for the F-Type. It was there because, to these eyes at least, it completely trumps the SLK on styling inside and out, image and just 'need one' desirability.
Fortunately, it more than delivers on the objective scores too, with one or two caveats. The powertrain is interesting, particularly in the context of this comparison. With the sports exhaust on (it's very rarely off) and the gearbox in manual mode, you'll be having a fabulous time. Eight closely stacked ratios allow the performance to be exploited at normal speeds, the changes themselves are really quick and the noise is a fabulous, hard-edged shriek.
But you're not going that fast. The sound and the gearing certainly augment the impression of acceleration, but I'd argue this non-S V6 only just has the bite to match its bark. Perhaps having a car that makes low speeds feel faster is a good thing, but the SLK certainly has it covered on any road and at any speed.
Having said that, the F-Type counters elsewhere. It just feels like a proper drivers' car where the AMG can feel rather like a (very amusing) hot rod. Initially it's the little things like being able to select the exhaust individually of the Dynamic mode, the lovely rubberised paddles and the great driving position. But soon the F-Type's unseen elements come to the fore; the steering has a lovely weight to it, particularly in Dynamic mode, and a nice sense of feel through the rim too. The springs and dampers are beautifully set-up to deliver an ideal balance of control and compliance, a low-speed firmness smoothing out as you push harder. The brakes, especially when compared to the Mercedes, have a really positive feel underfoot and just enhance the Jag's driver-focused nature.
Loath though I am to say it, the F-Type is that engaging to drive fast that its flaws become less significant. But they are there and they do grate after a while. The mostly fantastic interior uses some graphics that look old already, it feels disconcertingly wide in town and can you see that uneven panel gap at the bonnet? Here's hoping that's been knocked out by a parking dent (this car had 14,000 miles on it) than a build quality issue.
But fundamentally the F-Type is just superb. In fact, there remains just one little problem overshadowing its performance, one that we would all love to see the answer to. If it feels this fantastic to drive now, what would it be like 200kg lighter?
JAGUAR F-TYPE V6
Engine: 2,995cc supercharged V6
Transmission: 8-speed Quickshift automatic
Power (hp): 340@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 332@3,500-5,000rpm
0-62mph: 5.3 seconds
Top speed: 161mph (limited)
Kerb weight: 1,597kg
MPG: 31.4 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 209g/km
Price: £58,500