The Mercedes-Benz CL& SL Classes
 
The SL-Class, shown below, is the longest-running line of cars in the history of Mercedes-Benz.  The famous 300SL gullwing is one of, if not the most prolific cars in history.  The SL's have been made since the 1950's.  For 1998, there are two versions:  SL500 and SL600.  The SL500 starts at a measly $80,000, and a very well-equipped SL600 will cost $125,000 or so.  Not bad.  The 500 comes with a V8, and the 600 has a V12.  Both come equipped with the same amenities as are in S-Class sedans.  The SL500 has a 0-60 time of about 6 seconds flat.  Suggested alternates would include the Porsche 911,the Jaguar XK8, or the Lexus SC400.I know people who drive these, and there are 3 or 4 of them in our neighborhood.  This is a more striking car than even the S-Class.
 
 
 
 
Car Mercedes-Benz SL500 Mercedes-Benz SL600
Engine 5.0L 315-hp V8 6.0L 389-hp V12
Transmission 5-Speed Automatic Overdrive 5-Speed Automatic Overdrive
Horsepower 315 @ 5600 RPM 389 @ 5200 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 347 @ 3900 RPM 420 @ 3800 RPM
Acceleration 0-60 mph 6.3 sec 5.7 sec. 
Top Track Speed N/A N/A
Fuel Economy (city/highway) mpg 16 / 23 14 / 20
Length 177.1 in.  177.1 in. 
Width 71.3 in. 71.3 in.
Wheelbase 99 in.  99 in. 
 
The CL-Class, new this year, used to be S-Class coupes.  In an effort to make the S-Class pure luxury sedan, Mercedes separated these coupes away.  Don't worry though, the price is still worthy of an S-Class car.  The CL-Class consists of the CL500 and CL600.  The 500 starts at $92,000, and the 600 tops out at about $135,000.  They come equipped with V8's and V12's, respectively, and receive performance marks similar to the SL-Class, which we believe is the better looking car.
 
 
Car Mercedes-Benz CL500 Mercedes-Benz CL600
Engine 5.0L 315-hp V8 6.0L 389-hp V12
Transmission 5-Speed Automatic Overdrive 5-Speed Automatic Overdrive
Horsepower 315 @ 5600 RPM 389 @ 5200 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 347 @ 3900 RPM 420 @ 3800 RPM
Acceleration 0-60 mph 7 sec.  6.1 sec. 
Top Track Speed N/A N/A
Fuel Economy (city/highway) mpg 15 / 22 13 / 19
Length 199.4 in.  199.4 in. 
Width 75.3 in. 75.3 in.
Wheelbase 115.9 in.  115.9 in. 
 
 
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