(06) SLK350 or a (06) Honda S2000 2.0I GT
(06) SLK350 or a (06) Honda S2000 2.0I GT
Author
Discussion

glennh

Original Poster:

5 posts

164 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
quotequote all
I'm looking to by my first RWD car.
I have been driving a 1.6 Zectec-S Fiesta for the last 5 years because of doing a ridiculous amount of mileage it was the sensible option.

Now I live close to work, I want some fun, not to be sensible anymore finally get something to be proud off.

Would appreciate peoples thoughts on the choice of either a (06) SLK350 or a (06) Honda S2000 2.0I GT

Many thanks!

nottyash

4,671 posts

225 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
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Not sure about Merc, but a post March 06 S2000 is £470 a year to tax so it makes sense to get a late 05 early 06 model.

wemorgan

3,583 posts

208 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
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Whilst they are both roadsters they are quite different cars to live with. GT tourer vs B-road blaster.
The ultimately answer will come from yourself having test driven both.

Like for like won't the SLK be quite a bit more expensive to buy?

What are you looking for in a car?

Edited by wemorgan on Sunday 24th February 10:39

glennh

Original Poster:

5 posts

164 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
quotequote all
@ wem morgan.

I'm looking for something that is both practical and fun, I have heard lots about the s2000, but with a difference in £500 on insurance a year im leaning towards the Merc... but I'm wondering if I will regret it as it might not be quite as much funand pretty practical?
I'm worried the automatic box will take away from the driving experience, if its anything like the C220's that I drive fairly often, then they are pretty sluggish to respond. :s

glennh

Original Poster:

5 posts

164 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
quotequote all
Like for like won't the SLK be quite a bit more expensive to buy?

Both are under £10k which is my budget.

wemorgan

3,583 posts

208 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
quotequote all
£500/yr difference in insurance could easily be taken by repair bills in either car, with the Merc likely to cost more when it does happen.

If money is an issue, do some research on service and consumable costs for each car. The Merc may look less appealing.

Both cars have their + and - The debate could go on for pages, but if you're after a certain 'feel' in the car then you need to drive both.

Dracoro

9,036 posts

275 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
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The S2000 will be a lot more fun. The SLK will still be somewhat fun though but in a more "relaxed" manner, possibly easier to live with depending on what sort of driver you are.

Have you also considered the Nissan 350Z, BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster?

glennh

Original Poster:

5 posts

164 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
quotequote all
Dracoro said:
The S2000 will be a lot more fun. The SLK will still be somewhat fun though but in a more "relaxed" manner, possibly easier to live with depending on what sort of driver you are.

Have you also considered the Nissan 350Z, BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster?
Cheers, I want a hard top convertible tbh so thats why i shortlisted these two motors.

Herbs

5,132 posts

259 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
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The S2000 isn't a hard top convertible....

So that only leaves the SLK on your original list.

glennh

Original Poster:

5 posts

164 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
quotequote all
The GT comes with a hard top cover, so I'm happy enough with that.

Off to see a S2000 now... time will tell!

Dracoro

9,036 posts

275 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
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You can get hard tops for the Boxster and Z4 too. Not sure about 350z tho.

telecat

8,528 posts

271 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
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SLK350 comes in a Manual 6 speed box as well so you do not have to get an Auto.

ajb85

1,124 posts

172 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
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Although both roadsters, they are very different cars that excel in different areas. The obvious PH choice would be the S2000 for the driver.
The SLK is a little bit disappointing inside (for a Mercedes, although nicer than the Honda) and the seats are a little bit flat. Not having driven the newer shape, I have heard great things about the 350 engine, and it can be had with a manual box so should make performance particularly sparkly whilst keeping fuel economy sensible.

Usual rules apply; try both, suck it and see!

kambites

71,599 posts

251 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
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IMO the mk2 SLK is a much better drivers' car than people give it credit for - I don't think its reputation ever recovered from how poor the mk1 was. The S2000 is certainly more raw feeling, but I'd argue that the SLK (on sports suspension, it's decidedly under-damped on the other suspension setup) handles better.

Nothing short of the AMG can match the S2000's engine or gearbox, but is better in just about every other way, IMO.