SL500 2006model vs earlier--any experience?

[ack0]

Looking at SL500s and wanted to know if anyone had real world experience of the difference between say a 2004 306bhp version and the 2006ish 380bhp version.

Doesnt seem to much else of significance in the facelift.

Is the later car worth holding out for or is there not much difference in day to day driving?

Thanks

[r129sl]

Supposedly the later car is significantly faster, as you would expect with 25% more power. Didn't they also ditch the fly-by-wire brakes for the later model? The other big change is the addition of tacky chrome/metal finishes on the front fog lamps together with some other styling details.

I suspect there is a big difference in prices. I would hold out for a later one if you can.