Mb slk320 or por 928s4

[KingSalmon911SC]

I will be retiring next April. I have a 1980 911SC that I will keep until I get so stoved up that I have to roll out into the gutter, to exit the car. My "Old Man" car is a 1991 MB 560SEL, so my daily driver needs are covered.

I'm thinking about getting one more fun car while I can still drive and enjoy. I am considering either a used MB SLK320 w/manual trans or a Porsche 928(hopefully S4), if I can afford one. I have never driven either model so chances are I am comparing apples and oranges. Also, I am aware that some years of the 928 production, there were manual transmission issues. I am flexible either way on automatic or manual for either car.

Your thoughts please on the pro's/con's of either and your opinons.


Thank you;

Richard
KingSalmon911SC on Pelican

[redstrosekNic]

I would rather have any 928 than an SLK. Service history is the key with any Porsche IMO. The 928 is a great car if maintained properly. The SLK has never done it for me...

[widgeon13]

Slk 320

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I have driven an SLK-320 for the last several years as a daily driver; it's been a really great car. I like to say it does everything well even if it doesn't do any one particular thing exceptionally. Does it have good looks? Yes, although there are certainly some cars that look nicer. Is it comfortable? Yes, although you can always find something more comfortable. Performance? Yep, adequate - but certainly there are things that are faster... You get the point. I can say this for gas mileage, handling, upkeep cost, general fun factor, reliability, etc.

A lot of people love to bash the "Chrysler-era" Benz cars but I think it's a bit disingenuous. Mine is a 2001 and it's been great. The only failures I've had are a hood shock (replaced under warranty), a crank position sensor (replaced under warranty) and O2 sensors. Other than wear items. Oh, and my car just turned 105,000 miles on the original clutch. No issues, plenty of life left. It's well-made.

The only thing I'd say if you're considering one is to look at the AMG32s rather than the base MB SLK-320. At this point you should be able to find the AMG in the same price range as a 928S4, and the AMG is a hell of a car. VERY quick and potent although it doesn't (tragically) have the 6-speed manual like the base MB does.

I like the 928s a lot and would love to get my paws on one at some point but for daily driver use? MB all the way.

[Z-man]

SLK320. If you are getting ready to retire, and will be on a fixed income, you don't want to have an older car which requires more maintenance.

The SLK's are ~20 years younger than the 928's. Big difference in age. And the SLK is a fun little car, and with the hardtop convertible, it is very flexible.

My $0.42,
-Z

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

A lot of people love to bash the "Chrysler-era" Benz cars

Why would anyone do that?

Chrysler was merely a subsidiary/asset of the parent company Daimler Benz.

Daimler Benz's brief ownership of Chrysler had zero impact or effect on Mercedes Benz or their cars.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by McLovin

Why would anyone do that?

Chrysler was merely a subsidiary/asset of the parent company Daimler Benz.

Daimler Benz's brief ownership of Chrysler had zero impact or effect on Mercedes Benz or their cars.

I have to disagree.

Quality did suffer at MB during the merger years. Even MB has admitted this and instituted a rigorous new initiative to get back to older quality standards post merger.

In Germany merger era MBs sell at a steep discount because of quality issues with those cars. First generation MLs are just one example - but E class problems are also notorious.

Much has been written about the reasons for the decline in quality at MB during the merger years if you are interested.

[Sarc]

I had a client stop by the other day in his 45K mile 928 GTS (I know, not exactly what your looking for). Beautiful car with a striking presence. Being surrounded by the usual suspects of MBs, Audis, and 997s, it was nice to see a lowly 928 in such great shape.
The 3 mile blast up Woodward Ave at lunch sealed the deal for me.

Would own one in a heartbeat.

[Dottore]

On the original question, I have occasionally rented SLKs and always found them to be sluggish and fat and vague and boring. The fun factor is zero. If you really want a fun car for little money you would be much better off with a Miata IMO.

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by Dottore

Much has been written about the reasons for the decline in quality at MB during the merger years if you are interested.

I suspect the rise and success of Lexus had something to with this as well. MB had to design/build to a price, rather than a standard.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by Dottore

I have to disagree.

Quality did suffer at MB during the merger years. Even MB has admitted this and instituted a rigorous new initiative to get back to older quality standards post merger.

In Germany merger era MBs sell at a steep discount because of quality issues with those cars. First generation MLs are just one example - but E class problems are also notorious.

Much has been written about the reasons for the decline in quality at MB during the merger years if you are interested.

Yes, I'm interested, please post some links. Particularly as to the specific issue of how Daimler's ownership of Chrysler specifically affected Mercedes Benz cars.

[masraum]

On the original question, I have occasionally rented SLKs and always found them to be sluggish and fat and vague and boring. The fun factor is zero. If you really want a fun car for little money you would be much better of with a Miata IMO.

Back when I got my `88 911, I had a buddy that got an SLK. It was nicely appointed inside as you would expect of a Mercedes, but the driving experience was boring. I love my Miata (have had three, current is a turbo with leather seats). The driving experience is great, but they aren't as nice inside as a Mercedes.

[KingSalmon911SC]

I thought the SLK would be sportier than what your knowledge has shown. I will wait until I'm in the lower48 and retired; and have cash in my pocket, and go test drive in the Portland-Seattle area. Another contender on paper would be a 2000-2004 Corvette convertible. I have always lusted after a 928 but I have never driven one, let alone sat in one.

Thanks again;

Richard

[slow&rusty]

I did not realize you could buy a SLK320 with a manual tranny..either way 928 > SLK anyday!