Here Is Why The AMG GT CANNOT Replace The Iconic SL

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Finally somebody understands the SL. Only an SL owner could grasp the deepest most profound insight into SL road weaponry and contrast it against AMG GT track weaponry. Too many compare them on paper without ever driving one. I'm about to get an 2009 SL 65 because was hooked after it called my name and I drove it. Autobahn breeding was never more apparent driving from Maryland to Florida.

[@twfinc6855]

Great review ! You are very knowledgeable about the technical specs etc... I have a 2018 SL63. When I was shopping I was limited to what I could purchase, I am 6'5" tall and about 250 lbs, so comfort to me was important. I could not really fit in the GT-C, if I was 6'2" and 225 lbs that would likely be max for the GT-C...... I am about at the 98% limit in the SL but I am good, and its very comfy.. One thing you missed in your talk about the 0-60 times were the tires. The SL comes with Continentals and the GT-C comes with Michelin sport cup 2... I replaced my tires with Michelin 4S tires and the grip is dramatically better. With the Continentals even on a warm day with the tires warmed up, you cannot launch the car with traction control off, but with the Michelins I can now. I timed my car to 3.7 seconds with the new tires. It is a heavy car and the GT-C will handle better no doubt, but the SL will do 90% of what it will do and in far more comfort, so for every day driving or cruising or simply taking it to the track to do some quarter mile runs its a great car and fun to drive. I love it ! The GT-C exhaust sounded deeper from what i could tell on the video, just a more deep down throaty sound which I am hoping I will achieve when I get my renntech mufflers installed next week on my SL.... Also quarter mile on this car from Mercedes is 12 seconds flat at around 123 mph. I got a run of 11.56 at 126.8 mph with my second attempt so I think its underrated a bit.... I am looking forward to the next SL, I understand it will also have the 4.0 in it, and not the 5.5, which will save some weight, rumour is it is going to a soft top, more weight savings... But its sort of strange how Mercedes has this many high end sports & sports (GT) luxury cars with 2 seats.. Not sure of the future of the SL, but how can they get rid of it??? Its a legacy vehicle and part of the history of Mercedes. I have wanted one ever since I used to watch Hart to Hart on tv when I was a teenager. Anyway, great review as always Ben !!

[@BenWayne85]

It is great to hear that you're putting your SL63 through it's paces. Yes I agree 100% tires make quite a big difference in performance. There is really more I could have said about that and a few other aspects, but I doubt folks will want to sit through a 35 min video. I also agree with your statement of the SL being capable of doing 90% of what the GTC will do....and that is why the SL AMG variants cost more lol .The Mercedes SL won't be going anywhere. Rumor has it the next gen will have quite a bit of influence from AMG, will feature a soft top (not sure how I feel about that) and a 2+2 configuration.

[@Bruce4lmighty]

I own a 2017 SL63 (obsidian black, night pack, porcelain napa) and agree completely with both yours and Ben’s points. As I write, the new model is out and I’d be interested what you think. My opinion is I’ll be keeping my 2017 SL for as long as possible. I’m devastated the metal roof was replaced with fabric. That’s the main attraction and key differentiator from every other car in and around it’s class IMHO… 👍🏻

[@arlenediaz9576]

Very informative video Ben, I own an SL 550 and absolutely love driving it. I smile like a kid behind the wheel

[@bmac6165]

Mercedes should us this guy to explain all of their cars. Best analysis and comparisons of the SL and the AMG-GT EVER!!!

[@Harrock]

The SL is a class by himself! The GT is just a porsche opponent

[@unknownunknowns]

True but they still have similarities, since the price of the super car has gotten substantially cheaper while the SL’s price has maintained its price, adjusted for inflation. I mean they first made a $1M GLK-GTR super car, then the SLR McLaren was cheapened to $500K, then came the $200 SLS AMG, and now the $100K AMG GT. That’s why the SL’s sales are plummeting.

[@archiedarwin7763]

you all prolly dont give a damn but does anybody know of a method to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost my password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me

[@alexliam9786]

@Archie Darwin Instablaster :)

[@frankloccke4313]

I had almost as much fun watching your video as you seemed to have had driving the two car. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@PKPhoenix83]

The best 2 door Mercedes makes is the S Class Coupe. Unfortunately the AMG GT and SL will continue on which the S Coupe won't. If the S Convt. had a hard top it would be literally perfect.

[@avinstallations]

A great review. It was very informative and the information was delivered smoothly so it was nice to watch and listen to. I own a 2003 SL55 AMG.

[@aarondavidthepark89]

😊I own a 2004 SL55 AMG with designo interior and grey alcatara top liner. tuned very fast

[@christoff8750]

Excellent review. I own a 14 SL63 and your analysis was right on point. Interior quality of the SL is second to none in MHO, and man is it fast. The ride is beautiful and more than sporty enough in SPORT mode; however, I drive 99% of the time in COMFORT. With all that said, the GT is super sexy and I'd love to own one!!! Again, great info, tons a detail...great review!!

[@frankdahl910]

To clarify the SL63 doesn't have a "standard transmission" per se... it utilizes a multiclutch transmission with a wet clutch (no torque converter). This maintains high torque capacity and low weight compared to a DCT. The GTs Dual Clutch is mounted at the rear axle which assists in car CG placement. They both have shift times below 100 ms depending on drive setting selected.

[@happydays1470]

I Own a 2010 sl63 and I agree with you that these cars are not track monsters but sure are alot of fun driving at the limit. The sound of the older naturally aspirated 525 hp engine all the way the 7000+ rpm limit always puts a smile on my face. Great review

[@paulbuck0267]

Excellent review. I drove both cars at Laguna Seca as part of the AMG Driving Academy and I had the exact same impressions about them.

[@highlightsko8107]

Best description , exacly what I want to hear.

[@bennybodash855]

Great presentation as always, thank you!

[@louisxiiii]

I've been shopping for an R231 SL, I've been surprised that the seats aren't as comfortable as I had hoped. There are a lot of adjustments, including some in the display screen. I've spent a lot fo time adjusting, but even at its best adjustment, I find the seats are really geared to holding me in place rather than giving me room to get comfortable, and the roof corner is a bit close to my head with the top down, making the car feel closed-in for a convertible. I'm going to try a previous generation (R230) to see how it compares.

[@azmike3572]

About the GT's hood length..."I can see for miles and miles..." (The Who, 1967)

[@pobinr]

I just sold my Z3M roadster & replaced it with a low mileage R231 SL500 in hyacinth red with cream leather. Not the AMG SL63 admittedly. But not much less power or performance. It's more than enough. In fact I'm in awe of it. The fact it takes an extra 200 or 300 milliseconds to reach the legal speed limit compared to the AMG is immaterial. 0 - 60 in 4.5 is fine with me. I'm loving it to bits. I considered an SLK55. But they're almost as expensive. A great little V8 roadster, but less car for the money. SLK55 £55k new. SL500 £85k new but only £3 or £4k more second hand for the SL. And it's an almost all aluminium engineering masterpiece

[@Roadster3254]

Hello Ben, Your videos continue to be most informative. After your video on the S63 AMG Convertible Edition 130, I bought one & have enjoyed nearly 18,000- trouble free miles. I owned a 1963 300SL Roadster for 31 years, only to sell it in 2018. I test drove a number of vehicles as a potential replacement , including SLR, SL, AMG GT, Ferrari, Porche, etc, etc. My final choice was the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster. This naturally aspirated V 8 convertible is an absolute beast! I selected the Alubeam Silver color with red interior to match the S63 Cabriolet. It has all of the options I wanted. Have you driven this model as well? Have driven a certified classic for 31 years, I feel that the SLS in Gull Wing or Roadster for has bulletproof potential to be a future classic & in either form is the best sports car I have ever driven. I would love to hear your thoughts on the SLS as well.

[@BenWayne85]

I've not had the opportunity to drive an SLS yet, but when that day comes, I will be ready.

[@waewens]

I have the SL 550 and AMG GTS coup and you are on point with the characteristics of both cars.

[@Enjoythevroom]

I have a 2006 SL55 AMG with the P30 Perfomace Package. Only 45 of these cars were imported to the US in case you didn't know. It was AMG's answer to those who said the SL was a soft GT car. The P30 has a $14K option of a Limited slip diff. 40 locking, 390 mm composite brakes with 8 piston Brembo calipers, a Nurburgring tuned suspension that is 30 percent stiffer than a stock SL55, 2 piece forged wheels, and a raised tops speed limited to 186 mph. It also has the front bumper of the V12 SL65 to accommodate an extra engine oil cooler! Trick stuff from the factory indeed. I tracked my car a few times and it hides it's 4,200 lb curb weight easily. Handling at the limit was more firm and no understeer. The ride in sport mode is punishing with zero body roll. The front has more negative camber too. If you can find one, I suggest you test drive one and I think you will pleasantly surprised with this very rare and special SL. Check out my channel for details or Instagram at number63productions

[@MTobin1000]

Hi Ben. I really learned a lot from this video. Just amazing automotive capabilities...such a joy for you to drive cars like these. Enjoy the ride my friend. (Mike in Ohio)

[@BenWayne85]

Glad you found this video useful!

[@cruzjorge0517]

I have a 2013 sl63 with the stage 1 rentech upgrade 670 horse and 730 pounds of torque. One mean machine on the road, love the car with the top up or down is better lol, your review on the car is spot on 👍👍👍 up. Njoy the rides lol

[@aaronyoung6937]

You forgot about the top of the SL food chain Ben, the v12 SL 65, great review tho !

[@BenWayne85]

Didn't forget it, I just think that car deserves a separate video explaining why it even exists lol

[@banerjeesaheb]

@@BenWayne85 it's been a year now. Still not late you can do it anytime. But please do. I am dying to see it. There's a nice deal in here, for that sl65 v12.. I think i should be going for it.

[@TrollingWithTheTruth]

The AMG GT has cannibalized SL sales esp on the higher end ones (SL 63 and 65). The public wants something more exclusive in this automotive era, hence the AMG-GT. also, I would compare this SL car more with a 911.....the Bentley GTC really more in line with a S 65 Convertible

[@cedjazz]

Man you know your cars. I learned about dynamic engine mounts and dual clutch. Does it have ABC suspension?

[@BenWayne85]

SL has ABC, AMG GT has AMG Ride Control

[@cedjazz]

Ben Wayne , ahh, thanks... I don’t know if you review older cars, but I would really like to hear your take on the R230 AMG SL55, Especially one with the P30 package. They’re kind of rare. Great job as always.

[@BenWayne85]

@@cedjazz Thought i replied to this, I'll see what I can do.

[@countspankulots4024]

Nice video. But you should probably check out a few hat reviews/comparasions thought.

[@brianadrian5148]

I disagree with your comment that the SL is not a sports car. I own an '07 SL550 with the AMG Sport Suspension. In 2007, Car & Driver did a comparison test with the SL550, BMW 650, Porsche 911 Cabliolet and the Cadillac XLR (which is basically a Corvette) The winner of the comparison Was The Mercedes SL550, and they said it had better performance, handled better and was more fun to drive than even the Porsche 911.

[@dahling7549]

BW.,. perfect and extremely informative video. Thanks for the knowledge and I agree, both cars are great.

[@BenWayne85]

Thanks for watching!

[@man2mature]

Great job

[@paulbritt8128]

Congrats almost 25,000 subs 👏🏾

[@BenWayne85]

Thank you!

[@MrMustangrick]

AMG GT S for sure.

[@ElbaAlbertovna]

Amg gt is amazing. But you should talk about how horrible the location of the mirrors are. I almost regret having the car because of the mirrors but when i put my toe on that pedal i forget about the bad mirrors😂

[@royal001ful2]

wouldve been nice if the amg gt had a hardtop convertible...as the shape of the non- convertible is so beautiful...and the off colored rag top takes away from the cars appearance...would have also been nice if it was all wheel drive....which would improve launch times...0-60 times and driver confidence...and probably cut that 3.7 0- 60 time to somewhere between 2.9 and 3.0 0 - 60 times....but the 2016 amg gts is still my dream car...as soon as this used car market goes back to normal...ill be looking to purchase....the sl65 reminds me of middle aged women in beverly hills...but its still nice too.

[@beemer1111]

You really nailed the SL side of this review. They are amazing in every respect: value, performance, styling, handling and build quality. Still the best convertible top system available, with the incredible hand built AMG V8. I don’t own an AMG GT, but cannot imagine anything better than my SL63, in the overall evaluation.

[@deaconstevej1]

Ben! That was a great video! I haven't reach that level yet! But I can relate to the comparisons! I drive a 335i Msport E93 convertible with the Msport package. The big brother to that is the E93 M3. I'm a cruiser so the 335i fits my needs! It's got all the goodies! Hard top convertible, wood grain and leather. Sport fenders, and it's pretty fast and tuner capable! But the the M3 is the track monster! Power, handling, and aggressive body flared fenders and big brakes spell performance! Those two Benzos are both too amazing for words, but since I'm a cruiser, I'd pick the SL. Beautiful with a touch of beast if you want it! Question; I've had my eyes on the C Class Coupe and convertible! The C43 AMG in particular! Could you do a little video or give me some advice concerning the two. That's my step up! Thanks in advance for the insight!

[@BenWayne85]

335i Msport and the M3 is a great analogous situation to this video! Here is a video I did a while back on the C43 sedan, so a lot of the info can be applied to the Coupe/cab variants. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGPWn4WMpt-Dl9E

[@georgesuzuki7040]

I myself own 2018 AMG GT roadster. It’s much dinner to drive the AMG!

[@cliffstern8573]

Ben, awesome comparison of two amazing vehicles. Thank you for your descriptions and explanations. 👍👍 Keep up the great work

[@cliffstern8573]

Btw I have a 2016 mille miglia SL and the compliments I receive are daily when people see my car

[@BenWayne85]

Interesting spec on the Mille Miglia SL, I reviewed that car a while back.

[@paliy241]

Thank you! Subscribed.

[@BenWayne85]

Victor Paliy welcome to the channel

[@vegasmitch1472]

They're Easily Different. Mercedes just wasn't Selling enough of the Real SL's so they Changed the GT into the SL. Hell i don't see in 2023 a Lot of GT's Out here either!!

[@unknownunknowns]

I feel like MB needs to get rid of one of those models, or just combine the characteristics into one model, because while there are differences, the SL and successive supercars (CLK-GTR, SLR McLaren, SLS AMG, and AMG GT) are just becoming increasingly similar in price, performance, comfort, etc.

[@BenWayne85]

Stefan Unson except the AMG GT and the SL aren’t the same price, don’t have the same performance , or the same comfort. The ride in the GT is harsh, look at how much the camera was shaking as I was driving it....that’s a tell tale sign right there.

[@unknownunknowns]

@@BenWayne85 Yes the SL and AMG GT are different but I am noticing a trend that the Mercedes super car is just getting cheaper and more practical. From 1998 to 2002, MB produced the CLK-GTR worth $1.5M and that one was as cramped as on F1. From 2003 to 2009, the SLR McLaren had more passenger space and had a more usable trunk and that was worth $500K. Then from 2010 to 2014, you have the SLS AMG that was similar to its predecessor but the price went down to $200K. And since 2016, the AMG GT's price has gone down to $100K (which is in SL price territory) but it's even more practical because it is now a hatchback. These super cars also have the same performance figures according to fastestlaps.com. The reason why I bring this all up is because the market sales of the SL keeps plummeting, if you go to carssalesdata.com. The last generation R230 sold a lot better that the current R231. When the R230 was selling, the SLR McLaren was much more expensive than the SL, so the consumers were choosing the SL over the SLR. Now, the mainly unchanged R231 is in similar prices with the AMG GT. So, you can see that there are more consumers choosing the GT over the SL.

[@BenWayne85]

@@unknownunknowns I kind of see your point, but I wouldn't say Mercedes-Benz supercars are getting more practical...since you mentioned the CLK GTR , I think we also have to consider the upcoming release of the Mercedes-AMG Project 1 which is about 2.72 million. The current R231 is nowhere near as good looking as the R230. I think that has played an ENORMOUS hand in the poor sales. When it was released in 2012 it was not a good looking car and everyone knew it. Sales started to go down before the AMG GT even was near release. No way i would ever trade my R230 for a current gen lol. Comparing AMG to AMG (apples and apples) A base model SL63 cost about 160k, a base model GT will cost you around 110k-112k, so we're talking about 40k-50k difference in price before we even play the options game. So I'm not sure we can 100% say that both are in the same pricing territory but it might be close enough to have a valid point either way 50k is a lot of money for ME lol. With respect to performance, lap times between the SL63 and AMG GT will not even be close based off weight distribution alone. I took a quick look at the source you left and my thoughts prove to be correct on that with a difference of greater than 5 sec on Hockenheim which is an eternity on when it comes to circuit times. I get what you're saying, and why you're saying it, but I believe the issue is way more involved than just the AMG GT is the same price as an SL 63.

[@unknownunknowns]

Ben Wayne For the last part of your post, I will have to add that it’s not just competing sports cars that is causing the decline of the SL but cars of a different breed. If you have noticed, SUVs and pickup trucks are being priced in the luxury car bracket. I mean there those consumers who are choosing to spend $80K on a Ford Expedition, top of the line, over an Audi A6. Those larger vehicles are getting 20 mpg that it has become more affordable to get them because they much more practical than sport cars. That’s why the sales of luxury are declining.

[@MFSII]

The 2005 SL was highest volume seller of the SL 2 seater sports car. The design engineers simply couldn’t sell the public on their ‘improvements’ since then. Also, they began to copy the design elements into many, if not all, the lesser Mercedes cars. They used their flagship SL as a model. Lack of creativity. I had 7 SL’s. Now a GT Coupe. The AMG - GT is a hot rod. I love it, ashamed I’m almost 80.

[@okeyezeilo6187]

These things are subjective but it seems to me the 4.0 in the GT sounds intrinsically better than the 5.5; it isn't just an exhaust matter. (Noticed the same difference between both engines in the current w213 & w212 E63 AMGs). The GT also looks miles better from virtually any angle. So even though the SL might make a better cruiser my vote has to be for the GT...

[@rustyrobtics3927]

You know your cars

[@mortenberg2897]

SL any cay - and a AMG GT S as well ..... 😉

[@frankdahl910]

SL63 aches for a tune which easily brings it up to 670hp/750tq. The GT just trails too far behind the class and ability of the SL63. I have no regrets in the tune.

[@sherwaynemorrison1301]

SL65 for me

[@twfinc6855]

Its even heavier on the front end, and feels it in the corners, but the V12 is a beast for sure !

[@BenWayne85]

SL65 deserves a separate video in itself lol

[@Ak-nq2rq]

J’adore 😍!!!!

[@ovasov]

Gta model?

[@davidraven8338]

But the SL is now an old man's car

[@BenWayne85]

I wouldn’t be so quick to say that, the new SL which has been designed by AMG should be released any month now.

[@eliotramos8497]

Sorry but the new gen SL looks like crap compared to previous years.

[@unknownunknowns]

Because the price of the super car has cheapened overtime from the $1M CLK-GTR to the $500K SLR McLaren to the $200K SLS AMG to now the $100K AMG GT which is now plummeting SL’s sales.

[@eliotramos8497]

Stefan Unson what does that have to do with how the new SL looks like ?

[@unknownunknowns]

@@eliotramos8497 What I meant to say was that because the AMG GT is serving similar purposes compared to the SL, though with different shades, these two sport cars have to look distinct from one another causing you to think the SL 'looks like crap'. That's why I'm thinking one of them has to eventually go because the SL and whatever successive super car are just becoming increasingly similar.

[@eliotramos8497]

Stefan Unson the SL just doesn’t look good. I have a 2017 c63 s convertible and it looks so good. Same with the amg gt convertible

[@eliotramos8497]

Stefan Unson it just looks boring not necessarily bad, but it doesnt match its price. And the amg blends in too much with the standard sl450 that cost much less

[@pobinr]

I just sold my Z3M roadster & replaced it with a low mileage R231 SL500 in hyacinth red with cream leather. Not the AMG SL63 admittedly. But not much less power or performance. It's more than enough. In fact I'm in awe of it. The fact it takes an extra 200 or 300 milliseconds to reach the legal speed limit compared to the AMG is immaterial. 0 - 60 in 4.5 is fine with me. I'm loving it to bits. I considered an SLK55. But they're almost as expensive. A great little V8 roadster, but less car for the money. SLK55 £55k new. SL500 £85k new but only £3 or £4k more second hand for the SL. And it's an almost all aluminium engineering masterpiece