(Please note everything below is in CDN (canadian dollars) Hi, I am considering purchasing this Ferrari: 2005 Ferrari F430 Coupe Stock Number P0047A Transmission F1 Mileage 10,600 km Exterior Colour Grigio Silverstone Interior Colour Charcoal Price $ 209,900 I am just wondering would a Mercedes SL65 AMG provide a similar driving experience or am I completly off here? The Benz is a little bit more expensive ($238,500.00) but I believe it's worth it seeing as it has a hard top retractable roof. A friend of mine said it was like comparing apples to oranges and that the benz was not to be compared with any Ferrari. I hope I don't get TOO biased replies here so please give me your honest opinion. Thanks, AJ
drive both, the 430 is one of the most amazing cars ever built. If you want only one car it is a toss up, but the 430 is so much better it is staggering. Get the 430 then go get a nice 2006 750IL for 43k ish for a daily - you are in CDN, then get an X 5. When I drove a 430 I walked away in awe, I really cant wait to buy one - but the only thing I am buying currently is my debt. AK
have you driven either of them? what is your intention for the car? daily driver? without a doubt, there is no comparison between the two. one is an exotic, with an engine that is an orchestra and has the chassis, brakes and suspension to back it up. it is an attention getter beyond belief and requires getting used to. the SL is a daily GT that can be used in everyday conditions and a can be used to get the groceries. like i said, no comparison but you need to decide what you want in life.
The SL has an engine that will rumble your heart. The sound is priceless. For me, I love the SL...but I would still get a 430. You really cant compare the two.
I'm leaning towards the Ferrari. I'm just curious right now as to the looks you get with this car? What things have you guys experienced?
Right, the SL65 AMG is available as a hard-top convertible (which gives it a plus over the F430) But... if you are considering the Black Series instead, keep in mind that it does NOT have the retractable roof.... so the SL65 AMG-BS is just a coupe. Your friend is right... drive both if you can. See which one you like better. Look at the new 2009 SL first-hand and see if you like it in person. Now imagine that with go-fast upgrade parts, and see if you still like it... if yes, then the SL's your car! If not, then go for the F430. What you choose is up to you... as long as you buy a car that you like, you'll be happy... ~shahedc . p.s. post pics when you get it, of course!
Have you looked at an older SL? You wouldn't need to take the depreciation hit on them as hard. Personally I think the F430 is what I would go for.
Back to my previous point. How often does the car turn heads? Has it ever changed one's perception of you? Anything happened to you as a result of the status the car shows?
on F-chat, you will surely get most responses (if not all) in favor of the F430. As some people have suggested, have you considered a used SL? Or even a "like-new" 2007 model? Maybe you can get a used SL, and still get a used Ferrari 360 coupe? (or just get the F430) I have a new 2007 SLK that I got brand new in '06... and I still want to keep it when I get my (pre-owned) Ferrari in the not-too-distant future. (A brand-new SLK is comparable in price to a used SL from a few years ago.) ~shahedc .
My brother has an SLK. I LOVE that car and that's why i'm considering the SL. I don't buy used motor vehicles.
AMG depreciate faster then the rear tires on that car...we are talking almost 50% in under 18-24 mos. On one hand you will have a great daily driver, just like a lot of other amg driving people will (Its a me-too car) On the other hand, you can have the f430 and a less expensive "beater" car which you will not mind parking anywhere, such as a e55 amg. consider both.
The F430 is in fact used but I am buying it from a close friend and I am aware of the conditions it has been driven in and of it's history.
I have SL65 as daily driver for 2 years now (2 year lease ending next week) and I can't wait to get rid of it. Fun for the first week or month maybe then you become bored with that thing,since torque and acceleration thrill will last only that long and soon you realize that it handles like a pig,is not very reliable,and quickly becomes "just another SL" with "0" sense of occasion or excitement when you get behind the wheel. Resale is probably one of the worst (a dealer here, has a perfect '05 with barely 20k miles with asking price $79k). On top of it, you want the car for fun as you already have a "daily" so get a car with some real visceral thrills. Get the 430.....
Mark, that is a perfect write up...... How much do you get for your car? 75k? What do you get as enxt car? A nice Phantom ?
I am a HUGE Mercedes fan and owner. I have owned a CL600, CL65 and currently have a S600. I LOVE the 604 HP engines and can say in a straight line it will whoop the 430 (the CL65 and the SL65 will). I would HIGHLY suggest you wait 2 years for a SL65 because you will be able to buy a low mileage one for HALF the sticker price or buy a 2 year old one now. This is what I do every 2 years. If you want even more power than 604 you can contact Renntech and send the ECU to them and it will come back with 670 HP @ 5500 RPM; 840 LB-FT @ 3500 RPM for $6400. I guarantee this will be stimulating. Buy the 430 now and buy a SL65 in 2 years. http://www.renntechmercedes.com/main.html
beating a ferrari is not hard on a straightaway...but dont think for a second the sl would hold a candle to the f430 (or any fcar for that matter) on the track...now I know 98% of us do not track the car, however that was the original premise for these cars...enzo didnt build boulevard cruisers, he left that to dodge and chevrolet. The only car which can give the facr a run for the money is the porsche (ughh i hate that word).
Nice. Whatever your decision will be, at least you'll have a great time! I love the current model R171 SLK... with the SLR nose, and tight handling. Once, I was reading on an SLK forum how an owner reported that his car was getting more looks and compliments while parked next to a Ferrari. I smiled, and didn't question the validity of his story... ... until I got the same thing happening to me recently. While I was drooling over a Ferrari parked next to my SLK at AllSportsGP, I got a compliment for my car...! Granted, a lot of Ferrari owners couldn't care less about the SL, let alone an SLK, I love my SLK... and as I mentioned earlier, I plan to keep it when I get my Ferrari. ~shahedc .
I agree with what most people have already said. If you tire from the drive in the Ferrari you may have no soul. The Merc will crush it in a straight and will have very little feeling doing so. In the 430 you'll feel every crack and dip in the road, a funny wobble sound in the wheel arches when hitting pot holes, etc. (Though stock both sound great.) Consider the Benz only if you're an older guy who would like a more comfortable car. The sensation of accel is great but the Ferrari certainly feels more zippy. And if you can afford it later, as Mustang stated get the car tuned after someone else takes thet insane 100K+ hit. Renntech tuned SL's are amazing. I don't track any car and could care less if a slightly tuned M5, AMG, whatever can beat the Ferrari from one streetlight block to the next.
As I mentioned,it's a lease so I just have to return it to dealer. Btw,if wanted to buy it,the buyout price is $122,800!!! Let them keep it,I would not pay even $50k.... As far as next car ,I have no idea,Scud is coming in a couple weeks and my friendly dealer lets me use a Bentley CGT for a couple months,so will see...
