Monday 30th December 2013

Jaguar F-Type vs. Mercedes SLK55 AMG

V8 AMG SLK for same money as entry level F-Type? Beauty, meet beast...

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Hands up, we're a little late to driving the F-Type in Britain. The launch proved it most certainly met the lofty expectations levelled at it, but how would it fare in a wet and cold December rather than a balmy April?

To find out, the Jaguar needed a rival that hadn't been encountered previously. A tough challenge given that it has faced everything from a Boxster to an R8 in its various forms elsewhere. We've avoided the obvious Porsche rivals for now (F-Type Coupe vs. Cayman S is surely one to look forward to in 2014 though) and instead got an AMG.

Despite fairly reserved appearances for an Affalterbach product, the SLK55 comes into this battle packing a punch. It's 80hp and 66lb ft up on the Jaguar, enough to offset its weight disadvantage. Our first drive back in 2011 concluded that it was 'a very well-rounded product'. Again though, that was overseas in blazing sunshine; we all know how some favourable weather and a dropped roof can favourably enhance impressions.

As with every F-Type comparison, the opponents call into question the Jaguar's price. Can its supercharged V6 really compete with a bonafide AMG V8 available for the same money? The Merc of course comes with a folding hard top and the Jag makes do with a canvas roof; how big a difference will that make? What is the best of these two is the best way to spend £60K? Read on...

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Introduction and comments
Jaguar F-Type
Mercedes SLK55 AMG
Verdict

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JAGUAR F-TYPE V6
Engine: 2,995cc supercharged V6
Transmission: 8-speed 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

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MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55 AMG
Engine: 5,461cc V8
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Power (hp): 421@6,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 398@4,500rpm
0-62mph: 4.6 seconds
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Kerb weight: 1,690kg
MPG: 33.6 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 195g/km
Price: £55,335

All prices before options

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Photos: PrimeExposures

[Adrian250]

I would take the F-Type every time. The Merc looks old, and the ride on the Jag would undoubtedly better far superior. Fuel economy would play a part in the decision as well! And if its noise you are after, then spec the sports exhaust on the Jag - TRULY EPIC!

[Vocal Minority]

I thought that the harsh ride on the F Type was a negative, hence the revised spring rates in the coupe?

Also, looking at the stats regarding power, torque, consumption and emissions, - the Germans realy are ahead of the rest on engine technology at the moment.

(I'll take the F Type in blue please)

[xRIEx]

soad said:

Thought Jag had 375bhp?

V6 S is quoted at 380 I believe, the vanilla V6 is 340.

[soad]

xRIEx said:

V6 S is quoted at 380 I believe, the vanilla V6 is 340.

You're right, I mistook it for the S model.

[sparks_E39]

I do like the Merc and in general prefer German cars, but I love the F Type and would take it over any current offering from Mercedes/BMW etc.

[anonymous-user]

I'd have the Mercedes.

[shantybeater]

The front of that merc has really been beaten with an ugly stick. I'd go for the jag all day long

[Matt UK]

Great thread title - I agree though, "Jag every time"

[jakesmith]

The Merc has the power but that's it, it's not a good drive I was left disapointed by it. I didn't drive the Jag but really would only consider the V8 not the V6 if there is one in the lineup

[kambites]

Somehow 1600kg and an automatic gearbox just don't appeal in something claiming to be a sports car. That's the best part of 150kg more than a 911 which has two more seats (sort of)!

[billzeebub]

without question the Jag

[Ed Straker]

AMG - no contest.
The Jag - as indicated - felt totally contrived - and V A S T
Far too wide.

Sunny winter day with the roof off, airscarf on and N.A. V8 dominating the SLK's so-called "flaws?"
Yes please.

[weez123]

His & hers

[TREMAiNE]

I'd take the AMG.

The Jag is nice - but it just doesn't excite me as much as the SL.

[Patrick Bateman]

Jag trounces the Merc.

[NelsonR32]

Jaguar all day.

[richs2891]

If I was buying with my own money then the Merc, if it was leased then the Jag.

Richard

[goldblum]

AMG V8 for me.

[xRIEx]

richs2891 said:

If I was buying with my own money then the Merc, if it was leased then the Jag.

Richard

I don't understand that, does someone else give you the money when you lease a car?

[redroadster]

Jag looks better by far if they can sell them at this price goodluck to them ,i personally feel its way overpriced but theres one born every minute.....