Arvin

just receive my July issus of MotorTrend. The cover has a Cadillac XLR, MB SL500 and our SC430.

at least MT include our car in the comparison road test.

dseag2

Okay... now we're all curious. How did they rate it???

Arvin

they prefer SL500 and XLR (out of the 2 they prefer SL500 more) over the SC430.

but they did give some credit to the SC430 for the quality, refinement, and value.

DPRSupra

ask them if they would change there decision if they bought two sc430's for the price of the sl500

ron36330

There you go guys. MT gave credit to the SC for quality, refinement and value. Those are exactly the reasons I bought mine. I was not concerned about 0-60 times, skid pad G's or slalom times. Quality, refinement, value and reliability were my priorities. Therfore if those are your priorities then you buy an SC.
Ron

Gojirra99

Magazines reviewers like Motortrend, car & driver, R & T and Automobile will always give performance and handling MUCH more weight than luxury,refinement and build quality, when evaluating vehicles in ALL classes.

I've seen reviewers describe the ultra refined ride and tomb-like quietness of the LS430, characteristics highly desired by many luxury car buyers, turned it around, and said it's too isolated, lacks road feel and feedback, and the other sedans feel sportier,as if these are the most important characteristics in evaluating luxury cars.

There is potentially a comparison test that will be even more infuriating to some of you guys, one between the SC430 and the new CLK500 convertible.
The CLK is C class based and is not even in the same class to our SC in terms of luxury, refinement , build quality and amenities, but will be compared to to the SC based on pricing category. Those guys will very likely pick the CLK500 as their favourite because it has sportier handling, a larger 5 litre engine, and of course, that "German teutonic feel".

john1968

Good point sexysc. The CLK convertible and SC430 are very different cars from a technical standpoint, but I think it would be valuable for a magazine to compare them because buyers are often choosing between the two. I chose the SC 430, but the CLK was my second choice. I even waited for pictures of the new CLK to see what the styling would be like. If I didn't have my wife's RX 300 to use when I need extra space I would have chosen the CLK. When one of these cars is considered by a buyer, I think the other is often times on their list of possibilities. For me a side by side comparison would have made it easier than having gathered data from separate comparisons. Besides, I think the SC will blow the CLK away most categories of a side by side comparison. The choice really comes down to aesthetics and how much back seat and trunk space you really need.

Larry

And I quote.........

"Let's face the truth guys........the SC is CRAP !! It's too dependable, looks too good, doesn't handle well at 155 miles an hour, doesn't make enough noise, gets too much attention, it too much value for what it costs, has a great resale value, has 2 less horsepower than the SL500, doesn't spend enough time in the shop, has NO quirks, the radio sounds too good, the fit and finish is great and WORST of all, it has one of the best service warranties of any luxury car.

Everytime I look at mine I think "Why didn't I buy an M3.....use Official BMW oil for $9 bucks a quart .....and then blow the engine at 15,000 miles ???"

I said this on the "dissed again" thread........and I had to say it again on this one
__________________

1NICESC430

Well, Larry, ol' buddy ... something well said is worth repeating!

Larry

Yes it is Ed

Yes it is Ed

Yes it is Ed

ron36330

Great post. I hadn't read it before, you said it all.
Love my SC.
Thanks
Ron

dsimo

Car and Driver compared the SC430 with the CLK430 in April 2002. Of course, the CLK was their choice. But I still bought the SC and have absolutely no regrets!