Without a doubt, the R129 SL falls short of the much larger, more comfortable, and better optioned W140 S-coupe. Yet, the smaller Merc is actually more fun and more nimble. The SL actually has a sports mode on its transmission which makes it noticeably quicker. On the other hand, the S500 has the quad-cam engine (against a twin-cam engine in the SL) and that, too, is noticeable! The S500 seems to handle better, (and likely has a more complex suspension?) While they are different cars, there are many similarities as well, and most of my friends do not even know I purchased another car (both cars are arctic white.) They'll know soon enough when the weather warms up and the top comes off? :D Which car do I prefer? I think short, in-town trips are more fun in the SL, though anything long-distance, and I'd be crazy not to opt for the S500 coupe. (Did I mention that the SL also gets better mileage?) One final bit; the SL only carries two-adults, and maybe a smaller person behind the front seats? The S-coupe can comfortably carry 4-to-5 people, and the back seats are very, VERY comfortable! Around 23,000 SL's were made (1999-to-2002,) and only about 1,300 S-coupe's were made in 1995.

In my opinion this is one of the most beautiful cars of all times. It is also super comfortable, has plenty of power and is fun to drive. True Mercedes quality.

My SL has been my dream car for years and it is an immucate car for its year and I am constantly getting compliments when I am out driving it. Everything that the description of the car when it was listed was 100 % correct. I highly recommend anyone looking to purchase this type of car you will not be disappointed at all.