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    997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    I am in the process of ordering a 997s. I recently had a SL55, which I decided to sell because I really do need a back seat for my small kids. Anyway, my only concern is that I will be disappointed with the power of the 997s after having the 55. I've driven the 997s, I could tell it was quick but not as quick (obviously). Has anyone been in a similar situation? Did you end up feeling like you compromised and needed more power? I thought about the turbo, but to be honest I like the 997 a lot more than the 996. Thanks.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    wait for the 997 turbo, you may be a candidate for a CL55 amg

    you likely won't miss the power too much, its all about the corners.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Quote:
    trice said:
    Anyway, my only concern is that I will be disappointed with the power of the 997s after having the 55. I've driven the 997s, I could tell it was quick but not as quick (obviously). Thanks.



    I am not sure what performance figures you are using. I looked up the SL55 and came up with the following:
    0 to 60 mph: 4.7 to 4.9 sec (two sources)
    1/4 mile: 13.2 sec @ 111 mph
    Braking 60 to 0 mph: 124 feet

    Porsche 997S
    0 to 60 mph: 4.1 sec (Car & Driver) 4.6 (Porsche specs)
    W/tip 5.0 (Porsche conservative specs)
    1/4 mile: 12.6 sec @ 112 mph (Car & Driver)
    Braking 70 to 0: 154 feet

    It looks like the numbers are pretty close. Doubt if there is much difference.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    If much of your driving is straight-line, the 55s are hard cars to beat...their effortless torque is very addictive....and 997S will prob leave you relatively dissatisfied in straight-line comparos (I know couple of guys who went from 996TT to SL55 b/c they were unhappy w/TT's torque and turbo lag issues vs 55 esp for commuter driving). May want to consider CL55 if need back seat...though realize steering feel of CL is notably sloppier than SL's.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    You'll miss the torque.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Quote:
    PStotts said:
    Quote:
    trice said:
    Anyway, my only concern is that I will be disappointed with the power of the 997s after having the 55. I've driven the 997s, I could tell it was quick but not as quick (obviously). Thanks.



    I am not sure what performance figures you are using. I looked up the SL55 and came up with the following:
    0 to 60 mph: 4.7 to 4.9 sec (two sources)
    1/4 mile: 13.2 sec @ 111 mph
    Braking 60 to 0 mph: 124 feet

    Porsche 997S
    0 to 60 mph: 4.1 sec (Car & Driver) 4.6 (Porsche specs)
    W/tip 5.0 (Porsche conservative specs)
    1/4 mile: 12.6 sec @ 112 mph (Car & Driver)
    Braking 70 to 0: 154 feet

    It looks like the numbers are pretty close. Doubt if there is much difference.



    Suspect the differences are really seen in bursts from 30-80MPH or 60-100MPH, etc....e.g., for playing the "jigsaw puzzle" in busy freeway commuter driving...Merc's autobox and torque work beautifully in these situations where one is busy chatting on the speakerphone and just want effortless "point and shoot" capabilities...drive the 2 cars back to back in those scenarios and I've found the differences to be striking....

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Quote:
    VKSF said:

    Suspect the differences are really seen in bursts from 30-80MPH or 60-100MPH, etc....e.g., for playing the "jigsaw puzzle" in busy freeway commuter driving...Merc's autobox and torque work beautifully in these situations where one is busy chatting on the speakerphone and just want effortless "point and shoot" capabilities...drive the 2 cars back to back in those scenarios and I've found the differences to be striking....



    Sure... if you prefer a salon-like platform over a sports car.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Quote:
    trice said:
    I am in the process of ordering a 997s. I recently had a SL55, which I decided to sell because I really do need a back seat for my small kids. Anyway, my only concern is that I will be disappointed with the power of the 997s after having the 55. I've driven the 997s, I could tell it was quick but not as quick (obviously). Has anyone been in a similar situation? Did you end up feeling like you compromised and needed more power? I thought about the turbo, but to be honest I like the 997 a lot more than the 996. Thanks.



    Try to ask yourself the following: what did you appreciate on the SL55 and what not?
    I owned a E55 AMG and I understand you well, the engine is absolutely great and delivers a lot of power.
    But I sold it and bought a Cayenne Turbo instead, I needed more space for the kids.

    Now I added a 997 Carrera S to the Cayenne Turbo, I really missed a real sports car since I sold my 996 Turbo (I got the E55 instead).
    What can I say? I actually wanted to wait and go for the 997 Turbo but the Carrera S is so much fun, unbelievable.

    I also drove the SL55 and I might give you some hints into the right direction:
    1. don't compare engine power. If power and torque are the most important things to you, forget about the 997 Carrera S.
    2. the Carrera S is not a dragster and although you might win some red light to red light races due to the superior traction compared to the SL55, in higher speed ranges the SL55 will definetely outrun you. When did you drive 125 mph and more lately?
    3. the Carrera S provides the most fun in curves and turns, especially with the 20 mm suspension incl. LSD. This setup isn't available (yet?) in the US but you might enjoy the standard PASM system as well.
    4. the ESP (PSM) system on the Carrera S is much less intrusive than the SL55's ESP system. Add chrono sport package plus to your Carrera S order and the SL55 stands even less chances in curves and turns because the chrono sport package makes the Porsche ESP (PSM) even less intrusive (yes, it is possible... ).
    5. the SL55 feels more solid and probably has less interior noises due to it's higher weight and the fact that quality has improved over the past 12 months of production compared to the first cars.
    6. the rear seats on the 997 Carrera S come in handy and our kids (3 years and 13 months) love to ride in the rear but not for a long time. So if you're planning to take your kids on a long trip in the 997 Carrera S, forget about it.

    If you still want the 997 Carrera S, go for it. It is a lot of fun but I also hope that you have another (family) car in your garage. If you don't want the Carrera S anymore and you still need room for the kids and a lot of power, you might want to get the new BMW M5. Or get the upcoming 500 HP Cayenne Turbo Powerkit version which should be the hell of a ride if you like SUVs.

    Good luck.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Quote:
    RC said:
    4. the ESP (PSM) system on the Carrera S is much less intrusive than the SL55's ESP system. Add chrono sport package plus to your Carrera S order and the SL55 stands even less chances in curves and turns because the chrono sport package makes the Porsche ESP (PSM) even less intrusive (yes, it is possible... ).




    Do I hear that someone has already tweeked with Sport Package mapping

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Quote:
    Ron (Houston) said:
    Do I hear that someone has already tweeked with Sport Package mapping



    Ron...my English...as always. Sorry.
    I meant that by adding the chrono sport package plus option, the driver gets the chance to activate the "sport" button and shift the PSM (ESP) mapping to an even lesser intrusive reaction. Sorry for the confusion.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Quote:
    VKSF said:
    Merc's autobox and torque work beautifully in these situations where one is busy chatting on the speakerphone and just want effortless "point and shoot" capabilities...



    I really like the idea of driving on a freeway in amongst a bunch of guys who are busy chatting on their speakerphones and using their cars' effortless point and shoot capabilities.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Ha. Point and Shoot - thats
    a good way to describe their
    main use

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Quote:
    fritz said:
    Quote:
    VKSF said:
    Merc's autobox and torque work beautifully in these situations where one is busy chatting on the speakerphone and just want effortless "point and shoot" capabilities...



    I really like the idea of driving on a freeway in amongst a bunch of guys who are busy chatting on their speakerphones and using their cars' effortless point and shoot capabilities.



    Fortunately/unfortunately, there are more than a few high-powered commuter cars (SL55/996TT/360/575) being used in these fairly dispassionate workaday roles for the SF-Menlo Park/SJ, NYC-Greenwich, Lake Forest-Chicago, etc runs...gotta pay the bills ....hopefully, these guys have time for more involving cars (or more involving use of cars) for wkend twisties.....

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    i think that if in your area you are always on highway , stick to the amg..

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    thanks for the input. helpful and also confusing. the 55 is not an option. i need a backseat. i actually already sold it and am back to driving my e430. and i don't want to wait for the 997tt, and i prefer the changes in the 997 over the 996 so much that i don't want a 996tt. i realize the 997s isn't going to be as fast as the 55. i am not necessarily looking for the fastest car, but am looking for a very fast car that is sporty and fun to drive. in the us, it's hard to go very fast (>85mph), rather the fun for me is quick accelerations and handling on curvy roads. i'm hoping the 997s can deliver.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    How about an EVO or STi? Or heck even an M3. Best of both worlds, sporty handling and power to point and shoot, plus back seats.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    You won't miss the power. It's quite subjective anyway. Order a sport exhaust and you will 'feel' even faster than in the SL55.

    But you will miss another thing. Fresh air. Wait for the 997S cab.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Quote:
    trice said:
    thanks for the input. helpful and also confusing. the 55 is not an option. i need a backseat. i actually already sold it and am back to driving my e430. and i don't want to wait for the 997tt, and i prefer the changes in the 997 over the 996 so much that i don't want a 996tt. i realize the 997s isn't going to be as fast as the 55. i am not necessarily looking for the fastest car, but am looking for a very fast car that is sporty and fun to drive. in the us, it's hard to go very fast (>85mph), rather the fun for me is quick accelerations and handling on curvy roads. i'm hoping the 997s can deliver.


    if this is what you are looking for ,the 997s will give a loooot of good time

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    If your driving time and enjoyment is primarily in the curves, I would argue 997S wins over Merc 55s in driving pleasure.....it's hard to hide an incremental 1000+lb, despite marvelous computerized systems (when they're functioning).....

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    The SL55 is a fast car, but tight and uncomfortable on the inside. 997S is by far roomier and more comfortable on the inside. In all honesty handling wise the SL55 does not even come close to 997S and acceleration wise, if you are a good driver and know how to drive 6 speed and have a good start, I doubt if the SL55 will beat you, if anything it will be close. When you think about it 997S with 6 cylinder 355 h.p. engine does a hell of job against the monster Benz with almost 500 H.P. Peformance based on H.P. no car does it like Porsche

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    RC is absolutely correct; the 997S is fun. While my E55 is a torque monster and accelerates quickly in a straight line, the car for me is boring. Compare the power to weight ratios between the SL55 and the 997S and your impression of potential performance may change. I never enjoyed exploring the backroads with the E55; with my 997S, I cannot wait for the weekends.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Quote:
    aeri said:
    RC is absolutely correct; the 997S is fun. While my E55 is a torque monster and accelerates quickly in a straight line, the car for me is boring. Compare the power to weight ratios between the SL55 and the 997S and your impression of potential performance may change. I never enjoyed exploring the backroads with the E55; with my 997S, I cannot wait for the weekends.



    I agree.

    Here we go again...check the AMG board for an extensive thread that me and Mike S had about Porsche vs. Mercedes. It depends what you want. You want a nice ride, smooth, luxurious, unobtrusive engine noise (for the most part), pick up a Benz. You want to drive, pick up the Ultimate Driving Machine (FYI BMW drivers, that marketing slogan is being used with the wrong brand)... can't touch Porsche.

    Re: 997 Powerful Enough? vs. SL55

    Buddy, check this out (997S Performance with the PSM off), it only finsihed 3rd because of it's price:

    http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?article_id=1949&section_id=31&page_number=8

    I just bought an 06 997S and love it. 3.9-4.1 sec 0-60 for the 997S is very doable as Porsche people test their cars very conservatively. They release the clutch and then step on it VS. us here reving it up and driving the hell out of the car. I had a 911 Turbo before this and trust me there is no comparison between the 996 and 997. 997 has 85% different parts so it's a different car all together. Off the line the 997S is very quick and very close to the Turbo. I promise you that you will be impressed with the car. The SL5 is fast and powerful but tight and uncomfortable and it's not a sports car. Plus, how many 355 h.p. cars do you see on the streets to keep up with 486 h.p. Mercedes

     
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