Porsche 911 C4S or Mercedes SL550

[couturegirl]

I have had both and would choose the 911 over the sl550 100% of the time. If only Porsche had a hardtop convertible :). If you're even thinking about the SL550 you may as well pony up a bit more cash and go with the Ferrari California if you want the hardtop option. Otherwise, don't think twice and go with the Porsche-- PDK is amazing :)

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by couturegirl

I have had both and would choose the 911 over the sl550 100% of the time. If only Porsche had a hardtop convertible :). If you're even thinking about the SL550 you may as well pony up a bit more cash and go with the Ferrari California if you want the hardtop option. Otherwise, don't think twice and go with the Porsche-- PDK is amazing :)

I was with you 'til the very end. You lost me at PDK, LOL!

And yes, you're assumption is correct. I'm a dinosaur. I just find a manual integral to the overall driving experience. Get one while you still can.

[couturegirl]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

I was with you 'til the very end. You lost me at PDK, LOL!

And yes, you're assumption is correct. I'm a dinosaur. I just find a manual integral to the overall driving experience. Get one while you still can.

I love driving manual as well, however, the speed at which the PDK/F1/E-gear is much faster than any person can shift. I still have one manual car and enjoy driving it, however, for daily driving, I much prefer the others :)

This reminds me of when I was a kid and my dad told me never to marry a guy who couldn't drive a stick shift, didn't like uni, wasn't well read, didn't like to travel and didn't treat me like a queen. LOL

[sampelligrino]

I'm not sure if others have touched on this but at the price point of the C4S and SL550, you have an array of options to choose from. So I'm not sure if you are just 100% set on those two models or are just hunting in that price range, but you are in/near the range of a Merc AMG (even though you now have your badass S63), Porsche Turbo/GT3, Audi R8, potentially used Gallardo/F430, Bentley CGT, etc.

[couturegirl]

Originally Posted by sammyofkahala

I'm not sure if others have touched on this but at the price point of the C4S and SL550, you have an array of options to choose from. So I'm not sure if you are just 100% set on those two models or are just hunting in that price range, but you are in/near the range of a Merc AMG (even though you now have your badass S63), Porsche Turbo/GT3, Audi R8, potentially used Gallardo/F430, Bentley CGT, etc.

The issue with getting a used 430 and non LP560 Lamborghini is that they are now the "old" models. I do like the Porsche Turbo/GT3 compared to an SL63. Not a fan of the R8 -- "poor man's lamborghini".

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by couturegirl

The issue with getting a used 430 and non LP560 Lamborghini is that they are now the "old" models. I do like the Porsche Turbo/GT3 compared to an SL63. Not a fan of the R8 -- "poor man's lamborghini".

Lol! But the R8 is Tony Stark's car.... I don't think he's poor??

The performance of the F430 is still astounding and I assumed that he's focused at around the 100-130k price range, but you are right they are "old" models. Some people might like that though.

I'd take an R8 over the Gallardo, but not a Huracan.

[couturegirl]

Originally Posted by sammyofkahala

Lol! But the R8 is Tony Stark's car.... I don't think he's poor??

The performance of the F430 is still astounding and I assumed that he's focused at around the 100-130k price range, but you are right they are "old" models. Some people might like that though.

I'd take an R8 over the Gallardo, but not a Huracan.

I love the Huracan- adding that sucker to my stable :) I disagree re: the R8 over Gallardo. I have had several Gallardos and driven a friend's R8 and there really is no comparison between an R8 and an LP560. I had a 430 before the 458 came out(that we used to drive to Napa all the time in the summer!) and it is a lovely car, but the 458 is just so much better. If I were him, I would get a California since he obviously likes hard tops and it is a versatile car.

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by couturegirl

I love the Huracan- adding that sucker to my stable :) I disagree re: the R8 over Gallardo. I have had several Gallardos and driven a friend's R8 and there really is no comparison between an R8 and an LP560. I had a 430 before the 458 came out(that we used to drive to Napa all the time in the summer!) and it is a lovely car, but the 458 is just so much better. If I were him, I would get a California since he obviously likes hard tops and it is a versatile car.

You are just on another level, I swear!

[FlyinM3]

All I have to say is that exotics are a lot more affordable in this country

Having said that, I want to get a G6 for our parent company

[mgent]

Any discussion about PDK, when comparing a C4S and SL550, is pointless since the merc isn't available in a manual, and the merc transmissions are awful. There is no comparison between PDK and the merc slush boxes...

I would stay away from a LP560, since its getting long in the tooth - We're likely getting rid of ours... Same for 430, and if putting lots of mileage, service will be less fun... Never owned an R8, but always liked them, and I hear their new tranny's are pretty good... I still say Bentley-GT for a GT car, great used prices, and 991 C4S or 997.2 TTS for a sports car, assuming 150k price range...

[VICI]

After the problems I had with the Audi A8 4.0, I am completely done with them. R8 looks nice but I have a poor taste from the previous experience.

I like the dependability of the Porsche and the power of a turbo would just about do it.

Always liked Ferrari, the sound, IMO, is spectacular (especially with a tubi exhaust). No need for a radio :)

For me, Lamborghini = doors = Aventador. That's a down the line acquisition.

And for the family, the S63 is the right combination of comfort, safety and ridiculous power.

Leaning Porsche turbo... (w carrera red interior)

[couturegirl]

Look at Mclaren as well. Kicks the 458's ass.

[VICI]

Just got a mailing from Mclaren - $3,500/m for 3k miles/yr.

What does you guys do, buy or lease these high end cars?

I like to keep it the inventory rolling as new models/options become available.

[couturegirl]

Buy.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Alex_NYC

After the problems I had with the Audi A8 4.0, I am completely done with them. R8 looks nice but I have a poor taste from the previous experience.

I like the dependability of the Porsche and the power of a turbo would just about do it.

Always liked Ferrari, the sound, IMO, is spectacular (especially with a tubi exhaust). No need for a radio :)

For me, Lamborghini = doors = Aventador. That's a down the line acquisition.

And for the family, the S63 is the right combination of comfort, safety and ridiculous power.

Leaning Porsche turbo... (w carrera red interior)

Sorry you had a problem with Audi but I have owned an RS6, RS4, S5 and A8L and all were awesome cars with never an issue. I think you got a bad car and that is a shame. I had a bad Benz before with issue after issue and swore them off and switched to Audi and BMW. My friend had a BMW and had issue after issue with the run flats. I think every brand can have a lemon and when you get one it certainly can sour you on the brand! Hope your new Benz treats you better!

[VICI]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Sorry you had a problem with Audi but I have owned an RS6, RS4, S5 and A8L and all were awesome cars with never an issue. I think you got a bad car and that is a shame. I had a bad Benz before with issue after issue and swore them off and switched to Audi and BMW. My friend had a BMW and had issue after issue with the run flats. I think every brand can have a lemon and when you get one it certainly can sour you on the brand! Hope your new Benz treats you better!

Totally agreed Connor.

My sour taste is from the customer service which was very poor from both dealerships. Once I explained to the second one that I would consider getting another Audi from them, their tone changed.

I would like believe that Mercedes or Porsche owners wouldn't have experienced such a drawn out repurchase.

I drove an S8 as a possible swap and it had the same screeching noise from the MMI area. For $130k, I find it hard to accept that their engineers couldn't find a remedy.

It's like in any business, the employees can cause a bad experience, but it is up to management to fix the situation.

Funny, when I bought my Panamera 4S, the rear camera didn't work because it was so new - Porsche decided to give a $400 credit towards any Porsche accessory. I liked a leather jacket that was $650. When I pulled the card out to pay the difference, the service manager said not to worry, it is with their compliments.

That is customer service.

[couturegirl]

Originally Posted by Alex_NYC

Totally agreed Connor.

My sour taste is from the customer service which was very poor from both dealerships. Once I explained to the second one that I would consider getting another Audi from them, their tone changed.

I would like believe that Mercedes or Porsche owners wouldn't have experienced such a drawn out repurchase.

I drove an S8 as a possible swap and it had the same screeching noise from the MMI area. For $130k, I find it hard to accept that their engineers couldn't find a remedy.

It's like in any business, the employees can cause a bad experience, but it is up to management to fix the situation.

Funny, when I bought my Panamera 4S, the rear camera didn't work because it was so new - Porsche decided to give a $400 credit towards any Porsche accessory. I liked a leather jacket that was $650. When I pulled the card out to pay the difference, the service manager said not to worry, it is with their compliments.

That is customer service.

Porsche is far superior to Audi in every single way. Porsche is "Hermes" whilst Audi is "Louis Vuitton" (mass produced and generic: trunks/luggage and duffels notwithstanding)

When you get inside an Audi and then get inside a Porsche there really is not comparison. :) As I said before, the only cars that I like aside from exotics (ferrari, lamborghini, Mclaren) are Porsche and RR (and I do like AMG Mercedes) :)

[codecow]

I had a 997.2 and I was talking to a top dude and semi-pro endurance racer in my company and told him I was going to either get a used Ferrari or a 991. He said I'd hate the Ferrari and love the 991, I haven't looked back. He's here visiting now and has been wearing a Lange 1 Time Zone, great piece!

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Sorry you had a problem with Audi but I have owned an RS6, RS4, S5 and A8L and all were awesome cars with never an issue. I think you got a bad car and that is a shame. I had a bad Benz before with issue after issue and swore them off and switched to Audi and BMW. My friend had a BMW and had issue after issue with the run flats. I think every brand can have a lemon and when you get one it certainly can sour you on the brand! Hope your new Benz treats you better!

Wouldn't whatever problems he had be because of the tires and not because his car is a BMW?

[couturegirl]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Wouldn't whatever problems he had be because of the tires and not because his car is a BMW?

Aside from the 5 series that I got when I was 16, the only BMW that I have liked is the V10 M5-- we had two tanks of nitrous added too

There is nothing "special" to me about BMW and I don't think they can compare in anyway to Porsche. I would even take Mercedes 100% over BMW any day of the week. As far as I am concerned, they are just one notch above Audi.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by couturegirl

Aside from the 5 series that I got when I was 16, the only BMW that I have liked is the V10 M5-- we had two tanks of nitrous added too

There is nothing "special" to me about BMW and I don't think they can compare in anyway to Porsche. I would even take Mercedes 100% over BMW any day of the week. As far as I am concerned, they are just one notch above Audi.

Uh, ok? I'm not even sure how to respond to that.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Uh, ok? I'm not even sure how to respond to that.

Don't even bother.

PS. I think I will keep my 650ix coupe as I really like it!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Wouldn't whatever problems he had be because of the tires and not because his car is a BMW?

Yes but if you go on BMW forum you will see thousands of posts on BMW and their run flats and all problems with them and BMW won't acknowledge. I had a 750li and now the 650ix coupe and simply took them off and put on Conti DWS and love them! Much better than the run flats they use and rides better to IMHO.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Alex_NYC

Totally agreed Connor.

My sour taste is from the customer service which was very poor from both dealerships. Once I explained to the second one that I would consider getting another Audi from them, their tone changed.

I would like believe that Mercedes or Porsche owners wouldn't have experienced such a drawn out repurchase.

I drove an S8 as a possible swap and it had the same screeching noise from the MMI area. For $130k, I find it hard to accept that their engineers couldn't find a remedy.

It's like in any business, the employees can cause a bad experience, but it is up to management to fix the situation.

Funny, when I bought my Panamera 4S, the rear camera didn't work because it was so new - Porsche decided to give a $400 credit towards any Porsche accessory. I liked a leather jacket that was $650. When I pulled the card out to pay the difference, the service manager said not to worry, it is with their compliments.

That is customer service.

That is a real shame about their poor customer service and I wouldn't ever deal with them again either. Customer service at those prices should be second to none!

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Don't even bother.

PS. I think I will keep my 650ix coupe as I really like it!

No doubt. Beautiful car. Do you have a tune for it? The N63 has lots of potential!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

No doubt. Beautiful car. Do you have a tune for it? The N63 has lots of potential!

I don't but bet it would be fun as it is already fun for this old man!

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Yes but if you go on BMW forum you will see thousands of posts on BMW and their run flats and all problems with them and BMW won't acknowledge. I had a 750li and now the 650ix coupe and simply took them off and put on Conti DWS and love them! Much better than the run flats they use and rides better to IMHO.

I've been on a few different BMW forums for years. Yes, I hear lots of complaints about the run flats, but it's mostly about how harsh the ride is or how bad the performance of the tires are. That is the nature of run flats, though. BMW has nothing to do with that. Are you talking about something else?

And yes, traditional tires are sooooo much better. Even cheap tires are an upgrade over run flats.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

I don't but bet it would be fun as it is already fun for this old man!

Aw, what are you waiting for?!!

A tune alone can add 50hp/70ft lb to the wheels!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

I've been on a few different BMW forums for years. Yes, I hear lots of complaints about the run flats, but it's mostly about how harsh the ride is or how bad the performance of the tires are. That is the nature of run flats, though. BMW has nothing to do with that. Are you talking about something else?

And yes, traditional tires are sooooo much better. Even cheap tires are an upgrade over run flats.

The fact that they develop buckle/bubbles and get ruined when they hit even tiny pot hole. My friend had 6 sets in two years replaced. Again I could care less as I took them off and am super happy!

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

The fact that they develop buckle/bubbles and get ruined when they hit even tiny pot hole. My friend had 6 sets in two years replaced. Again I could care less as I took them off and am super happy!

Yup very true. I think part of the problem is that, compared to MB and Audi, BMW uses more of a low profile tire so they're more likely to develop bubbles. The best thing to do is what you did. Replace the run flats with real tires and never look back.