I like this ad!

 

I own both, there is no comparison. Unfortunately, I bought the slk before the v-6. The four cylinder is, in my opinion, an embarrassment to MB. The car is a piece, get the s2k all the way. They only nice thing about the slk is the top, that is when it works. It has gotten stuck in the half way position many times, and has almost left me strandard because if it. It in no way represents MB, the quality is no where near my moms 420. If the S 2000 had a little less rattles (I know its a sports car), it would be the ultimate car. However, the slk has more than its share of rattles with a much softer suspension. If your looking for a sports car get the s2000, if your looking for a fun convertible, get the s2000.

 

I had a 99 SLK 5 speed which I couldn't wait to get rid of and get the S2000. THE S2000 is a drivers car; the SLK is a luxo drop top. The top was great and the stereo was great, but the car was so imprecise that it was not at all fun to drive. The 5 speed manual cars back then all shook at idle, as if there was a bad plug wire or something was fouling. I was told by the regional manager, after many tries to fix it, that "they all do that, and if you turn on the A/C and leave it on all the time, it will place a load on the engine that will cause the idle to smooth out." I got one of the first S2k's in the area and have had nothing but fun with it..almost two years old and ZERO problems. No grinding..nothing. Although the 6 cylinder SLK is a better car, the car you're getting is a car you will enjoy far more. Good luck with it

 

The SLK seems to be plagued with the same "monthly dealer visit" syndrome as the vettes. There are several of each around the office and the owners complain of nagging little problems that seem to take for ever to get fixed. The SLK does have a clean design. It is a beautiful car to look at and be seen in but, it still is just a luxury car that happens to have only 2 seats. Sports car just does not seem to truly fit the SLK. Not like it does with the Audi TT, Boxster and S2000.

 

Given Mercedes' pricing strategies, I'm afraid the only way this would happen is if they BOTH cost $45-50K. In which case I'd choose a Miata.