Mercedes-Benz
SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
SLS AMG
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: 2013 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
SLR McLaren
Overall
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep admiration for its iconic, dramatic, and timeless design, which is frequently described as "inspiring," "beautiful," and "brutal." The vehicle is celebrated for its unique character, including its supercharged V8 engine sound, front-mounted side exhausts, and its status as a legendary collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. However, a recurrent critical perspective positions it as a flawed grand tourer that was overshadowed by contemporary rivals like the Ferrari Enzo and Porsche Carrera GT. Criticisms focus on its heavy weight, use of a 5-speed automatic transmission (described as a "slushbox"), and a perception that it was neither a sharp sports car nor a truly comfortable GT, resulting from a compromised design philosophy.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. The 722 Edition and rare MSO Edition are mentioned positively as special, high-performance variants.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high maintenance costs: brake pad and rotor replacement reported to cost approximately $100,000. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠5-speed automatic transmission: criticized as outdated, unsporting ("slushbox"), and a weak point compared to competitors' manual or automated manual gearboxes. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Heavy weight: frequently cited as a detriment to agility and track performance, contributing to its grand touring character over supercar dynamics. Frequency: recurrent.
SLS AMG
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment characterized by deep appreciation for its design, status as a modern icon, and its naturally aspirated V8 engine. The vehicle is consistently praised for its unique gullwing doors, which are seen as a direct homage to the 300SL, and its distinctive, muscular proportions. It is widely regarded as a special, collectible car that represents a peak era for AMG, often described as having a unique soul and character missing from later turbocharged models.
Best version to buy
GT Final Edition: This limited-run model is specifically highlighted and appreciated for its unique badging, increased power output (591 hp), and its status as the pinnacle of the SLS production run. The "Final Edition" is recognized as a particularly collectible variant.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high transmission repair costs: The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (referred to as a DSG) is cited as having repair or replacement costs reaching approximately $40,000 USD. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠General high maintenance costs: Acknowledged as an expensive vehicle to maintain, with complex systems like the transmission, lifters, and head bolts on the M156 engine requiring vigilant and costly care. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren or the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren or the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is classed as a Roadster, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a Coupe, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren or the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren or the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG than the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. See the known issues comparison above.