Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes SLS Roadster vs Porsche 911

It’s time to bring out the big guns, as the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster meets the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio

Mercedes SLS Roadster vs Porsche 911

With its thundering V8 engine and jaw- dropping looks, the SLS AMG is the glamorous poster boy of Mercedes’ line-up. And now it’s arrived in Roadster form.

The headline-grabbing gullwing doors are gone, replaced by a fabric roof and the added wow factor of open-air motoring. It’s priced at an eye-watering £176,895, which is £8,500 more than the coupe.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The two models were developed side-by-side, so the Roadster is definitely not an afterthought. AMG claims that its engineers paid particular attention to strengthening the chassis and ensuring the quality of the fast-folding hood in order to deliver impressive refinement and uncompromised handling.

Yet if you want a cabriolet that combines sensational performance with handling prowess, there’s already a strong candidate on the market: the Porsche 911 Turbo.

It’s a comparative bargain next to the SLS, yet it has the pace to match. But does it have the desirability of the Mercedes? We found out...

Verdict

The SLS has lost none of its wow factor in Roadster form. It’s arguably even more spine-tingling than the coupe, as the superbly engineered hood folds in seconds, allowing you to better appreciate the mighty V8’s exhaust note. More importantly, the chassis rigidity is superb and the dynamics haven’t been compromised in the transition to drop-top. However, while the 911 Turbo lacks the Mercedes’ opulence, it’s faster and more agile.

Picking a winner comes down to your priorities: the SLS is the ultimate boulevard cruiser, while the Porsche is more engaging on a twisty road. The 911 also costs less – but in this market, financial considerations are outweighed by the need to have the most desirable machine. The SLS Roadster is a car of the moment, as well as being a supremely fast and engaging roadster, so it takes the win.

1. Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
Few cars at any price attract as much attention and make as big a statement as the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster. It looks great, sounds amazing and is beautifully engineered in every area. It isn’t as fast as the Porsche 911 Turbo, but it’s a seriously accomplished convertible performance car all the same.

2. Porsche 911 turbo cabriolet PDK
With its tiny rear seats and nose boot the Porsche is a surprisingly practical choice, but it’s the incredible performance and magnetic grip that set it apart. However, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet still trails the Mercedes for ultimate desirability.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Tesla Model 2: CEO Elon Musk reaffirms affordable, entry-level electric car will arrive in 2025
Tesla 'Model 2' teaser image
News

New Tesla Model 2: CEO Elon Musk reaffirms affordable, entry-level electric car will arrive in 2025

The baby Tesla, also referred to as as project ‘Redwood’, is scheduled to enter production in the first half of 2025
24 Jul 2024
Car Deal of the Day: brand-new VW ID.7 EV with 381-mile range for less than you’d expect
Volkswagen ID.7 - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: brand-new VW ID.7 EV with 381-mile range for less than you’d expect

If you want an electric car that can go the distance, then maybe you should consider our Deal of the Day for 23 July
23 Jul 2024
'Luxury car' tax grab to hit 70% of EVs, fuelling calls for exemption
Luxury car tax
News

'Luxury car' tax grab to hit 70% of EVs, fuelling calls for exemption

New Labour Government urged by UK motor industry to address concerns of potential EV purchasers and boost uptake of electric vehicles among private bu…
25 Jul 2024