Mercedes-AMG SL vs Porsche 911 - is the SL finally a true sports car?

[@josephclark2563]

I don’t know anyone who’d be cross shopping a new two ton SL with a 911 - the competition is Bentley GTC, DB11 Volante, and the Roma Spyder that’s coming in late 2023. I’ve owned multiple Porsche and currently drive a 2014 SL63, which I might add is substantially lighter, in spite of its metal roof. Depreciation on a new SL is biblical - it might be a good buy at 2 or 3 years old, but whether it’s the new model, or the last one, it’s a GT car, for weekends away, effortless straight line performance, and a bit of sportiness when you get the opportunity.

[@geoffk777]

There are things that I like about the SL, but the interior is a deal-breaker. The huge, ugly screens are impractical and just not what I want to see in an elegant 100 Quid car (that's true of the S-Class too, unfortunately). The Porsche has an elegant, restrained and traditional interior, with screens that are functional and not too obstrusive. So it's a place that I'd much rather spend time in.

[@tedlazakis5670]

Great review, you covered the key points. The 992 is unbeatable in this segment. My manual S coupe is the best car I have ever owned. Only Corvette comes close and that is because one costs a third less. But only Porsche bother to offer a manual. This SL will peel off some 911 buyers but not many.

[@davidrpriest]

The SL is aimed at a different market. It is a GT car that is beautiful and will sell well. Mercedes did a great job here but it does not compete with the 911 as a sports car.

[@karimsadredini8875]

Nothing touches the 911, period.

[@Samson44444]

Only another 911

[@The_Stanman]

Thank God Porsche has avoided the crazy weight gain and screen overload that almost every other brand is doing. On the scales, 992 weighs the same as 997. That's crazy in today's age.

[@tobysemler]

Not for snore inducing boredom, anyway.

[@pistonburner6448]

Another Karim sharing that 3rd world children's "wisdom"...

[@bastiaanwilliams5311]

I would take the SL over the Porsche any day.

[@trevorhsu6357]

Love how SL stands for sport light

[@gijoemolinaro]

Lol there's nothing light about that car 😃🤔🤦🏻‍♂️

[@patrickotango1254]

How about sls?

[@TheSmjc99]

911 is great for short trips as it is an exhilarating drive but too noisy on highways and not very comfy as a daily driver

[@bwest6275]

What I loved about the SL was the hardtop convertible. That was the unique feature amongst all the other alternatives. I hope they bring that back to the new SL. A Carbon convertible hardtop would be sick AF. Not like a buyer for an SL would be penny pinching anyway. As much as I love Porsche, I completely admire the SL. It’s not only a sports car, but it’s a Mercedes Benz, meaning it has to provide the comforts and technological advancements that a Mercedes has to offer. That’s the point of the SL…best of both worlds, where the Porsche is clinically sharp as a sports car only which can be a detriment for some.

[@Under_Construction100]

100% correct.

[@alexale4074]

4 wheel steering is already default?

[@worland9]

Brilliantly reviewed and presented Richard!

[@joeybandit2861]

shame , a bad sound quality

[@bluenavara25]

Somewhat of a missed opportunity to really do a like for like comparison with a 4GTS.

[@richy3040]

Porsche 911 is just the ultimate Emperor when it comes to sport car ! There is not even a close 2nd . not even lamborghini or ferrari . Period 😂

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

They always do this comparison. If we wanted 911’s we be buying them. But SL drivers didn’t want track rat Porsches. We wanted the autobahn bred glass roof V12 SL roasters like the R230 generation. Mine is already appreciating.

[@peterj5751]

I agree but this comparison had to happen because Mercedes has stated they have made the new on sportier to take on the 911. I actually think they should have stuck to the GT character which was pretty unique to the SL.

[@leonardoluc6362]

Please a Mercedes LOL

[@homersrevenge3691]

Good video but please make it both four wheel drive! The FWD feels different and has different traction characteristics to the 2WD.

[@Tential1]

This actually sums it up perfectly, but it's also why the Mercedes brand is struggling because the buyer that appreciates this no longer exists. There was a level of class and refinement that Mercedes stood for and today, having any class or refinement is looked down on. Personally, I want the S-Class convertible. It's nice to have the V12 you can but I'm not sure I'll be able to but we'll see.

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

@@Tential1 I could buy a new SL. But I’d rather spend my $110k cash on another SL65 -a 5000 mile 2009.

[@mornestemmet99]

His voice changed immediatley once he reviewed the 911. Seems like he was more excited to drive it. Could he he is bias towards the porka, not that there is anything wrong with that. I just think objectively the merc for a point to point and luxury gt car is miles ahead of the porsche. Period

[@SaqibKhaliq]

So.. not even close to a 911 beater. Mercedes die hards will still buy it, but they care less for driving balance and outright performance. I’ll take the Porsche, it’s not even close. I just wish you had a 4S for the comparison.

[@Largeone1968]

Reasons to choose the SL? V8 V8 V8 V8 Most of the 911’s advantages won’t show on the average uk drive whereas the V8 is with you at all times and for that reason, I’ll buy neither! I’m not 90 nor smell of wee!

[@SaqibKhaliq]

@@Largeone1968 err nope nope nope. I don’t want a V8. But you do you.

[@ThrottleBody]

Didn’t really see the point in this. I would have rather seen the sl against something like a Lexus lc500 convertible. Much fairer comparison.

[@HiddenWen]

The Porsche is just classy and focuses on the thing that matters, which is the driving experience. The exterior and interior look cohesive, while the SL looks like it's trying too hard. Only thing the Merc has over the 911 is the V8.

[@markdance574]

Finally the SL is back to its best - that said it’s still a Merc and I’d always have the Porsche over it

[@curtisjordan5213]

NOTHING LIKE AMGTR ROADSTER 2023 SWEETEST RIDE ON THE ROAD❤

[@dkfournier6975]

Personally, I think the 2018 s63 is a better choice than the sl klasse now that the hard top convertible has been replaced with a soft top and both are GT cars. Agreed with the other comments, if you wanted 2 seats and pure driving experience, you'd get a Porche.

[@deanlynch5430]

👏👏👏 Best review of the new AMG SL as yet... Thank you

[@EB720S]

I ll take the base 911 over a full spec sl

[@JackS55555]

Why didn’t you guys use the 4GTS? Just a weird comparison

[@sergeantsqueaker]

Very well presented and informative.

[@MuzikM_85]

Agreed.

[@_Archambaud]

A new SL.! I haven't been this excited since Jim fixed it for me to milk a cow blindfolded.creamy.Andrew Bridgen is my new hero

[@parodontitis]

Driven the new SL63 amg as well as the 992 GTS and going with the 992. It really is on another level. More fun. If I had to drive it as a daily/in Winter, I'ld probably go with the Mercedes. But for a fun car, it definitely is the 992!

[@Rockit181]

No car that weighs OVER 4000 LBS is a sports car!

[@rossfripp4503]

RE the screen - "not going too critical of it because most of the time it works pretty well". For the amount of money they're charging it should work well ALL of the time in my opinion.

[@michal.laskowski.]

Weird comparison. True sports car vs true GT car. These are two completely different cars...

[@TuvingtonD]

Go with a 911 4 GTS coupe with glass sunroof and lightweight and noise insulated glass. Big roof opening, limpet-like 4wd grip in the wet, and much quieter for long distance drives.

[@roiemesilati]

If you can get one… in the US it’s 30k over sticker if you can get an allocation.

[@louisharding1603]

Close your eyes and it’s Bear Grylls reviewing the cars. You’d take the 911 every single day.

[@MuzikM_85]

Great review. Cheers.

[@cp4512]

I not convinced that Mercedes went all out to build a ‘sports car’, just a better ‘sporty’ car that you can use everyday for every journey.

[@dayasingh799]

A question with rear steer,how is it when the car has 50 thousandmiles and the shocka and suspension isn’t new ,does it get out of wack and augment over streer ?

[@andrewstevenson6540]

It'll be an expensive nightmare

[@dayasingh799]

But what about security for the poor guy that takes a risk on a second porche

[@jamsxr]

I love my C63 estate, but it will be my first and last Mercedes. They don’t make drivers cars anymore.

[@MaxNeal-tl9bd]

Great video, Autocar. ❤😉

[@neillgowans4350]

Can’t understand why you reviewed a AWD against a RWD at this price point. It overshadowed most of the driver dynamics you were describing.

[@Jonah-Hosein]

I miss the old autocar back in the early to mid 2000s reviews, there was something cool about seeing all the cars reviewed in the same way same roads. Slalom tests and so on and so forth. Back on my homechoice/tiscali box it was the best thing going!

[@yass123]

Mercedes-Benz only lost the plot with the SL with the previous generation and this generation. Last great SL was the R230, especially the SL55 with the supercharged.

[@ingenere]

I have had my '03 SL55 since new and I just don't think this does it for me on many fronts: looks being the main thing...... and what happened to the hard top? If I want an all out sports car, I'll take my McLaren.

[@N1ckZ]

Apparently, the reasons why there is basically no hard top and every convertible is a soft top nowadays are 1. Fabric is less expensive than metal 2. It's lighter 3. It's much easier to repair/replace 4. There is a new AMG GT coming soon that will look somewhat similar to this but you will be able to get it both as a coupe and convertible 5. BMW said that many drivers prefer the look of a soft top because it doesn't hide the fact that you are driving a convertible. It makes sure everyone knows you are driving a convertible even when the roof is up.

[@HouseOfPetrol]

@@N1ckZ the mk2 amg gt will not be available in a convertible .. thats where the sl and gt will differ , the gt will kind of be the coupe model of the sl

[@helipeek2736]

Roof up? Unless it’s torrential rain or a blizzard it’s top down or don’t bother with a soft top.

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Comparison. The New Mercedes SL Is my favourite Convertible 😊

[@simeonivanov3507]

Sl never was sports car .And should not be .Its not designed to be that .

[@stms4411]

He’d mentioned this early on but perhaps not driven the simple conclusion home: if you want a GT, buy the SL. If you want a sports car, buy the 911

[@MuzikM_85]

Is it me or opf fitted cars are starting to sound pretty decent? Nothing like those from 5+ years ago yes but I think manufacturers are slowly finding ways to fit opfs to new cars while making them sound acceptable.

[@mahmoudghoneim8004]

Mercedes has to leave room to their AMG GT to deliver the more sporting role I believe.

[@alancornelioussnr5386]

His nice car 😍 would look fanatic in red I had 500 SL 2 door Mec in red great big car , sadly missed But what a car!!😍😍😭

[@mblondon1000]

Nice review. Good work

[@BenzinioB]

The only common thing between those cars is they are both convertibles - that's all! There is not much to compare to each other!

[@TG-pd3ft]

13:40 as soon as he gets into the Porsche he has to shout. They are so noisy - ok on short trips but wearing in normal use.

[@lidlika1]

roads used in this video. stang lane just off the A66. and the keldholme to castleton road. i'm unsure of the road numbers sorry

[@fast_eddie3441]

Watched it but I'm unsure why anyone would want to compromise chassis integrity by having half the structure missing and extra weight in its place if they really wanted a drivers car...

[@howardshafran928]

So.... I am fortunate enough to own both an older 911 Turbo and the new SL 63 AMG. I am in my 60's. I love Porsche's and also have a Taycan Turbo which I will never part with. But.....truth be told, the SL and the 911 are two very different cars. As a younger man I would take the Porsche all day long over the MB. But, after 40+ years of driving, I am now experienced to know that neither of these cars will come within a lightyear of being able to be driven to their potential. Ain't happening on American roads. And, even with spirited,(and a little illegal) driving, they both handle and accelerate at the upper limits of what is sanely possible. The MB is a far superior cruiser and far more long distance comfortable - full stop. Not an opinion, a fact, with copious sound metering and testing. That all said, for me at this point in my life, it is the MB over the Porsche - for ride comfort, build quality, tech, reliability and costs of ownership - MB over Porsche. Resale is higher in the Porsche - but so is the Porsche Turbo MSRP - by over $50K! And over the lifetime of the car, MB maintenance is LESS THAN Porsche. Porsche does not offer pre-paid maintenance as MB does, which is an absolute steal for those who keep their cars for years. MB's are not cheap to maintain, but at least you can control future maintenance costs to a degree. Both great cars, only one is a GT (SL 63 AMG), and the other, which is billed as an everyday driver but is really a high performance supercar (Porsche 911 GTS or Turbo). The MB is the clear choice for mature discerning drivers who want impressive performance and infrequent trips to the chiropractor.

[@jayh5641]

Can’t compare a merc to a Porsche in my opinion. Porsche is on another level in terms of r&d, build quality, badge snobbery and driving experience.

[@ejonkler]

To say Mercedes lost their way with the newer SL generations isn't something I'd agree with - R230 for its faults is a standout car looks wise, and the R231 was extremely accomplished. As others have said on here it's not really a 911 rival, but rather a junior Bentley Continental or DB11/12 rival.

[@dash-ryan]

In Canada, we only get the SL63 variant, but we can choose any variant of the 911. The SL starts at $215k while the 911 Cab starts at $140k, with the GTS Cab at $170k. This means the SL in Canada is a total fail. If the new GT is even more expensive, then its failure will be even more spectacular. No idea what AMG is thinking, esp since you can get a fully loaded flat-plane crank naturally aspirated V8 C8 Z06 for less money. Total fail. If you're determined to get a Merc, then get a used AMG S63 Cab. At least it won't be confused about its mission.

[@drewgreenhalgh9162]

Why are they using a 55 and not a 63. Also the sl isn’t made to compete with a 911. That would be the Amg gt. Everyone gets the comparisons wrong.

[@Under_Construction100]

I almost deprived myself of this great video. I thought it was the other boring gentleman & I've been skipping it since it was loaded. Today I thought arg let me give it a try. Wow, Richard this is such a great review. Laid back yet lively. BTW, I know anoraks will probably disagree but for me the SL kills the purpose of the AMG GT or vise-versa. I'm more of the latter, in the GT C guise.

[@ironscalp2241]

Good presenting. "It Fluffs it lines" was an ironic statement though.

[@sidthiru1509]

This isn’t even a comparison. The 911 is a no brainer.

[@MrRoyck10]

Stuttgart’s finest BoxEngine remains unbeatable in this class, the SL ironically stands for sports light as it weighs more than a London double decker bus with a big screen TV to set your computer aided drive, no thanks.

[@pereldh5741]

So - the 911 lighter front-end is because of lack of driveshafts? 😊

[@tanner1ie]

..and the placement of the engine!! 😯😂😀🤘

[@Car10121-s]

Referring to the feedback and feel rather than the weight there.

[@phiricity114]

8:18 the noise

[@Lizpig]

Richard L was the very best car for a driving but that looks abit of the horsepower but included the best corvette

[@v-gun9735]

What’s the requirement for an Autocar presenter? Upper middle class and to have given the royal family elocution lessons????

[@MoJoAssets]

Thought Richard did a great job. Much prefer a man who knows how to talk. Not so keen on the ‘innit’ brigade.

[@Car10121-s]

The 63 is very very powerful then? 😉☺️

[@andrewstevenson6540]

A 2 ton Sports Lightweight. Well done Mercedes every new SL is heavier and uglier than the previous generation. 1970/80 model still the best and the late 80s early 90s SL was the last attractive one made.

[@SuperWolffie]

The old (last two generations) were so different from the other Benzes.....this looks just like a Benz. Not wrong or ugly....far from that but not seperate from the current 'housestyle' ......for me a missed oportunity

[@MarcYanOfficial]

No it doesnt compete with the 911. Not in my books. The SL was my favorite car in the 2000's and 911s have always been my favorite. The Merc is definitely more luxury.

[@abishek4300]

The 911 is more of a precision instrument, but you see the SL doesn't necessarily stand against the 911s of the world... The SL at the end of the day is a Mercedes Benz, it's gonna be comfortable, a beauty and blessing to look at and can kill the rear tyres in a few corners and do crazy burnouts. The SL is not a bad car. It's beautiful and has a market of its own.

[@azmike3572]

It rains in the U.K.? 🙂

[@robertcook2572]

Having the choice is wonderful

[@markeywestskies6503]

Porsche all the way any day ....pure and timeless design, introversion and extroversion accommodates any mood, and an X-factor like none other.

[@fastandcarcurious4768]

“Just listen to that exhaust”…. Where? I heard the rumble and farty noise here and there but nothing like AMGs of old…. But I guess EU regs have killed that off.

[@jochem1986]

Stopped watching after 6 minutes… You need to hear that this wasn’t interesting to watch. Give us some voice overs with some well written words and some slidey footage.

[@seanoconnor8135]

Agreed. Good god that guy was boring. Nearly half an hour of monotonous talking

[@MoJoAssets]

Disagree. I want to find out stuff. I like info, not a metaphoric colouring book. This provides both. Just order my sixth Porsche, so perhaps I’m boring too 😊.

[@seanoconnor8135]

@@MoJoAssets not at all, you made the correct choice. Presenters like Chris Harris, Henry Catchpole, Jethro Bovingdon etc. prove that you can be both informative and entertaining. It's about delivery

[@andybils6141]

1:07 wow I’m done, goodnight everyone!

[@robrackstraw]

When you cut to the Porsche the noise level jumps considerably. And you can see the driver getting bounced around a lot more. You pays your money and...

[@gijoemolinaro]

Theres no change in power plants it's just been adjust it does have presence but no elegance.

[@richardsaad5393]

If they were trying to build a car in the middle of an S convertible, and the GT to give something comfortable to drive and be sporty

[@alanbuckingham8788]

Can you make the test a bit more relevant. For example, testing them in the one hour commute to do 10 miles, that so many of us suffer?

[@treyquattro]

Richard seems to have lost his barnet (hair) in the top-down Porsche shots?

[@jamesblond1100]

A Mercedes never beats a Porsche. At least it is available:-)

[@RT-rv5be]

How about around the Nordschleife?

[@ddfann]

I got 11 minutes into this and realised I had completely tuned out because of his dull monotonous delivery

[@chuckclark6162]

Strange that the SL has a big “rump” that isn’t attractive, while the 911 has a big “rump” that is attractive.😏

[@-DC-]

911 EVERYTIME.

[@andygtv]

Neither for me, but if you always wanted an 911 you will buy one even if you change it for something else afterwards.

[@dereksalley7231]

"It's not a motorsport division engine" [said in describing the GTS flat 6]- um, the company doesn't need a division, the COMPANY is a motorsport company instead of just having a division... Speaks volumes that a motorsport 'division' can't reach the bar after having an entire life cycle of the competition to work from, as the 992.1 generation gets put to bed this year.

[@mfmantica]

The 63 doesn’t make 670hp. Wrong number

[@Birmingham_racing]

Nobody buys an sl if they want a sports car

[@johnmackay5288]

Rear end too bulky, it’s an SL but certainly not an AMG SL.

[@Bookerdevin101]

911 Turbo vs SL63 please

[@albertobenelli]

Far too long video . Far too much talking on fix camera angle . No "real" comparison just bloke talking . You have lots to learn from Sutcliffe .

[@stu4181]

Always seems so ridiculous that the hardware in the ‘base’ model is exactly the same as the range topping car and it’s just an ECU tune changing the power. Kind of makes the range topper seem over priced and a little less special, at least putting different sized turbos or something would make it seem like you were buying something better 🤷‍♂️

[@GroppeljohannKlotenkempe-vr6oh]

It‘s the other way around: the high perfomance version is the one that is developed in the first place. The smaller versions are detuned and the costs are split in one way or the other depending on brand marketing etc. But if you think that is ridiculus go ahead and live a funny life

[@stu4181]

@ You a clearly talking about something you know nothing about. I can promise the one with the funny life is you 😂😂 If you think they develop the high performance version before the cooking versions then your the sort of person that the Nigerian prince has a great opportunity to sell.

[@GroppeljohannKlotenkempe-vr6oh]

@@stu4181 you Sir are making a joke out of yourself. Why do you think a simple ECU swap is all it needs to bring the engine to a higher performance level? Because they 1st developed the small one? And then -oh god oh gob Boss! we are so lucky: an ECU swap does not make the high performance version explode!! Yeah, you my friend are the genius AMG is looking for. Go seek a job there lmfao

[@stu4181]

@ Cool story bro, keep winning at life 👌

[@GroppeljohannKlotenkempe-vr6oh]

@@stu4181 you do not even have a single argument and still you talk about winning. You are just dropping bs and afterwards you are proud of yourself, like a small boy sniffing his own farts. Come on stu! Are you not able to convince me of the trith about engineering and development? How companies try to scale up and down to improve production efficiency? No? Then you are, as I stated before, just a small kid smelling his own farts

[@Wardy5]

24 odd minutes, quite a bit of waffle, quite a bit of repetition and no mention of how these two rivals compare on price. Come on Autocar, you can do better than this.

[@andrewstevenson6540]

Would've been interesting to see how an M8 would compare with the Mercedes. Probably a better value car and they are quite rare.

[@mzerk9324]

M8 has no value. As u get out of the garage, it loses 30% before u reach home!

[@andrewstevenson6540]

@@mzerk9324 get a low mileage M8 that's already shed 30% 🤫

[@nathandepasquale9571]

Both amazing

[@andygtv]

The Porsche is a sports car.

[@janojanuary]

The brief is to be an SL, not chassis that has to make concessions to be an actual racecar. I hope they make a 65 v12 version. The SL has always had a luxury vehicle. I would of compared a fully loaded 4S instead of the GTS RWD with lightweight options ticked? I think Matt and Yanni have better journalistic integrity when it comes to picking which car to compare.

[@janojanuary]

This isnt an attack on the presentation of this video, the output of the production team and the presenter. I just feel the SL needs a fair matchup.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

No surprise

[@richardreich8427]

The rear looks mmmmmm could have done better

[@cj41079]

When was it ever a sports car? Always been GT boat...... You guys can do better than this.....

[@siegfriedbarfuss9379]

SL is too heavy. V8 should be retired. The m256 souped up instead of the V8 and mechanical classy interior would have been my favorite. If Porsche can race with 6cylinder MB should be able to do so as well. And the lean design of a revised M256 engine lighter weight and less stops at the gas station. AMG branding is just marketing for immature enthusiasts IMO ..

[@richarddarsa6353]

A bland badge engineered car that for the first time simply lacks the wow effect the earlier generations had at launch.