Z4 or SLK?

[WorAl]

Hello Gents. My dad is looking for a weekend motor and has narrowed his choice to either a 350 SLK or a 3.0 Z4 Coupe.

Now as per the typical "what car" thread, which would be the better car? It's going to be used for weekend driving and holidays, mainly cruising and will only be driven hard, every once in a while. So comfort and mile munching are going to be the priority, but still has to drive well, but not focused on being a drivers car.

My guess is that the Merc is going to be the better car for the parents as I'd expect them to be more comfortable, but anyone else have their opinions on the matter?

Your thoughts are appreciated.

[Codswallop]

For that kind of use, I'd pick the SLK. The fact that the roof can be folded down is a massive bonus too.

Left-field option; how about a Volvo C70? Looks great, has a folding hardtop, 4 seats, and probably cheaper than an equivalent BMW or Mercedes.

Edited by Codswallop on Sunday 16th December 15:38

[Blue Oval84]

The Z4 is really more of the driver's car than the SLK. Mine was well sorted and handled very well, it wasn't uncomfortable (sports seats are must have!) but I think they'd prefer the Merc from the sounds of it!

[Ari]

Looked at a Z4 before buying my SLK, the SLK is a much more comfortable and more refined car. The Z4 felt more like my previous MX5.

[RevolveR]

Codswallop said:

For that kind of use, I'd pick the SLK. The fact that the roof can be folded down is a massive bonus too.

Left-field option; how about a Volvo C70? Looks great, has a folding hardtop, 4 seats, and probably cheaper than an equivalent BMW or Mercedes.

Edited by Codswallop on Sunday 16th December 15:38

That is possibly the worst suggestion for a car ever. That car is one awful piece of st and nobody should have the misfortune of driving one never mind buying one.

[Deerfoot]

Codswallop said:

For that kind of use, I'd pick the SLK. The fact that the roof can be folded down is a massive bonus too.

I agree. I'm a fan of the Z4 but in this situation I'd take the SLK. The 350 is a great car.

[TheBurgerKing]

RevolveR said:

That is possibly the worst suggestion for a car ever. That car is one awful piece of st and nobody should have the misfortune of driving one never mind buying one.

lol!

[AW35]

WorAl said:

Hello Gents. My dad is looking for a weekend motor and has narrowed his choice to either a 350 SLK or a 3.0 Z4 Coupe.

Now as per the typical "what car" thread, which would be the better car? It's going to be used for weekend driving and holidays, mainly cruising and will only be driven hard, every once in a while. So comfort and mile munching are going to be the priority, but still has to drive well, but not focused on being a drivers car.

My guess is that the Merc is going to be the better car for the parents as I'd expect them to be more comfortable, but anyone else have their opinions on the matter?

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Can he go so far as the AMG SLK with it's V8? John Barker out of Evo thought it a good drive. The burble would elevate it above the BMW as long as the money was there for the car and petrol.

[Oily Nails]

I might be biased...



2009 Z4 was the winner for me recently, even though it is not an "M" it handles beautifully on the twisty bits and has plenty of ooomph on the straights.

I have not stopped grinning since getting her

[kambites]

I'd go for the SLK with those requirements.

To be honest, I'd go for the SLK with any requirements - I rate the SLK with sports suspension above any Z4 bar the M as both a driver's car and a cruiser. They even put a decent manual 'box in the second generation SLK.

[HiHoSilverSLK]

I had the same choice to make and went for the SLK350, one really critical factor was boot space, please don't laugh. When you're going on a touring holiday, the SLK takes all that you want and can carry an additional four dozen bottles of wine on the way back. The Beemers and Porskies can accommodate the wife's handbag and that's about all.

The Benz is fun, goes like a rocket, is refined and comfortable and he roof is utterly brilliant, I'd recommend it.

[eldar]

HiHoSilverSLK said:

I had the same choice to make and went for the SLK350, one really critical factor was boot space, please don't laugh. When you're going on a touring holiday, the SLK takes all that you want and can carry an additional four dozen bottles of wine on the way back. The Beemers and Porskies can accommodate the wife's handbag and that's about all.

The Benz is fun, goes like a rocket, is refined and comfortable and he roof is utterly brilliant, I'd recommend it.

True. Also has airscarf, keeps you comfy roof down in sub zero weather.

[life in france]

RevolveR said:

Codswallop said:

For that kind of use, I'd pick the SLK. The fact that the roof can be folded down is a massive bonus too.


at 62living in france decided to become sensible ,sold boxster S 2004 and octavia AND bought 2008 c70 d5 one car to replace two ,what a mistake ,hated it ,kept for three months and sold it brain now back to normal with slk amg32 and seat leon


Left-field option; how about a Volvo C70? Looks great, has a folding hardtop, 4 seats, and probably cheaper than an equivalent BMW or Mercedes.

Edited by Codswallop on Sunday 16th December 15:38

That is possibly the worst suggestion for a car ever. That car is one awful piece of st and nobody should have the misfortune of driving one never mind buying one.

[WorAl]

AW35 said:

WorAl said:

Hello Gents. My dad is looking for a weekend motor and has narrowed his choice to either a 350 SLK or a 3.0 Z4 Coupe.

Now as per the typical "what car" thread, which would be the better car? It's going to be used for weekend driving and holidays, mainly cruising and will only be driven hard, every once in a while. So comfort and mile munching are going to be the priority, but still has to drive well, but not focused on being a drivers car.

My guess is that the Merc is going to be the better car for the parents as I'd expect them to be more comfortable, but anyone else have their opinions on the matter?

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Can he go so far as the AMG SLK with it's V8? John Barker out of Evo thought it a good drive. The burble would elevate it above the BMW as long as the money was there for the car and petrol.

Unfortunately not, even though its not going to be doing big miles, just couldn't justify the mpg of the V8, shame as I had suggested it.

[edo]

I assume we are talking used - previous gen SLK and Z4?

If so, then SLK is far better than people give it credit for. Nice cars, and you get coupe and convertible in one.

If new, then I'd be going Z4.

[Ari]

I've never been convinced that the premium for the AMG is worth it over a well specced 350

OP, what price/age car are we talking?

SLK must haves are Air Scarf, COMAND, and ideally Sport spec.

[WorAl]

Ari said:

I've never been convinced that the premium for the AMG is worth it over a well specced 350

OP, what price/age car are we talking?

SLK must haves are Air Scarf, COMAND, and ideally Sport spec.

It's an 06 SLK with all of the above (COMAND maybe not but can't remember) and a 58 Z4 coupe. Both cars have low enough miles on the clock (SLK with less) and are both well priced for the age. Just want to know the better car for the requirements.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Best car? SLK

Best sporty drive? Z4

[anonymous-user]

Can't believe that posters are recommending the SLK over a Z4. It's chalk and cheese, Z4 all day long, especially with a 3.0 straight six! One of the best cars I've owned

[Ari]

Have you owned an SLK?