AccessMyLibrary provides FREE access to over 30 million articles from top publications available through your library.
Create a link to this page
Copy and paste this link tag into your Web page or blog:
Drivers Log.(News)
2007 Mercedes-Benz SL600
Date in fleet: Aug. 16-30 As-tested price: $137,295 Powertrain: 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12; rwd, five-speed automatic Output: 510 hp @ 5000 rpm, 612 lb-ft @ 1900-3500 rpm Curb weight: 4429 lbs Fuel Economy (EPA combined/AW observed): 15.2/18.4 mpg
GRITZINGER: After falling head over heels for the Mercedes-Benz SL550 we tested a short time back, what could be better? How about four extra cylinders, 128 extra ponies, a silly 221 lb-ft of additional torque-and about $30,000 more on the sticker?
As much as there's nothing quite like launching a car that overpowers its own traction control devices enough to spin the tires, I think I'm partial to the more linear power delivery of the SL550's V8. The 550 still rips from a start, but without the turbo lag of the 600. I also like the 550's advanced seven-speed tranny vs. the old-school five-speed in the 600. The 550 is also 209 pounds lighter than the 600.
My advice: Try them both. If you have to have ungodly power and torque, go with the 600. If you can live with a car that merely exceeds all expectations, go with the 550.
MORRISON: Gritzinger compares the SL600 to the 550, but it's not the best comparison.
Rather, what about the SL55 AMG? It costs about $6,000 less than the 600, puts out the same horsepower and a still-impressive 531 lb-ft. Mercedes claims the same 0-to-60-mph time (4.4 seconds) for each, though the 600 probably pulls stronger past that barrier. But the SL55 weighs 149 pounds less, boasts better handling and weight distribution-51/49 vs. 56/44-and comes with bigger wheels and tires and a stiffer suspension. That's probably key: The 600 likely appeals to buyers who want the most insane straight-line sickness without sacrificing any potential ride comfort. But I've spent a lot of time in the AMG, and it's hardly uncomfortable. That makes me ask why I would choose the 600, other than ...
- Fuel-Economy Reduction from Cleaner-Burning Gas Within Expected Range,...
- Press release article from: Business Wire October 10, 1996 700+ words
...motor vehicles have not experienced fuel-economy reductions from the use of cleaner...conducted a four-month scientific fuel-economy test," Air Resources Board Chairman...there would be a very small decrease in fuel economy and today's results prove that it...
- Fuel Economy Improvements for 73 Percent of 2009 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep(R)...
- Press release article from: PR Newswire October 31, 2008 700+ words
...contribute to improved fuel economy As 2009 model year vehicles...pleased to find that fuel economy has increased on 19 of Chrysler LLC's car, truck and SUV models...per year with the 2009 fuel economy improvements. "Chrysler...
- Fuel Economy
- Reference information from: Pollution A to Z Friedman, David January 1, 2004 700+ words
...the fuel economy of all new cars and light trucks starting in...but that a manufacturer's cars and trucks be treated differently...efficiency of 27.5 MPG for cars by 1985, roughly doubling car fuel economy over ten years. The car standard...
- Do consumers value fuel economy?(briefly noted)
- Magazine article from: Regulation Espey, Molly December 22, 2005 700+ words
...decreasing demand by raising fuel economy requirements and encouraging...established Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks, with...objective of doubling new car fuel economy by 1985. In 1986-87...
- Fuel for thought.(Fast Lane)(fuel economy for SUVs pulling boat trailers)
- Magazine article from: Bass & Walleye Boats Smith, Bruce W. August 1, 2005 700+ words
...above 75 mph and your fuel economy may go down to 15 mpg...of 20 mpg." So, if fuel economy is of real concern...ever about improving fuel economy and vehicle safety...trucks and 27 percent of cars were driving around with...
- Auto industry debates safety vs. fuel economy.
- Magazine article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management Fisher, Mary Jane April 15, 1991 700+ words
...what tougher fuel economy standards...the kinds of cars that will...required each car manufacturer...average fuel economy of 27.5...and overall car length, both...average fuel economy requirements...and midsize cars--Civics...
- The sport-utility vehicle: debating fuel-economy standards in...
- Magazine article from: Journal of College Science Teaching Mayer, Shannon November 1, 2008 700+ words
...Background: U.S. fuel-economy standards In response...established corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for...the United States. New car fuel economy had decreased from a...for both new passenger cars and light-duty trucks...
- WHITE HOUSE REPORTEDLY APPROVES MODEST INCREASE TO LIGHT TRUCK FUEL ECONOMY.
- Newspaper article from: States News Service December 13, 2002 700+ words
...increase to the fuel economy standards...passenger car lines. Federal...feasible average fuel economy level...passenger cars at 27.5...to make a car or truck that...increase the fuel economy of their vehicles...but lighter cars that do not...
