Since there were a variety of SLK's to choose from, we started with the original Kompressor 2.3 four-banger for the first leg of our tour in the Ontarian countryside. It was nice to rediscover the honest power that little engine produced. It gave very good accelerations and comfortable passing speeds. But it was an automatic...And the sound...!
Then, we were able to switch vehicles and we woud up with the newer V6 powered version, the SLK 320 (Mercedes only had to invert the 3 and the 2 of the trim found on the trunk lid to identify the new car...not a too expensive deal!). Yes, it was an automatic again but we rapidly noticed how quieter the car became.
Naturally, it accelerated a lot faster and passing became even easier and safer. The V6 engine is a natural in this car. It should have been born that way! At the same time, we got reacquainted with a very convincing roadhandling and its very precise steering. A great car to drive!
A new 6-speed manual transmission
For the final leg, we finally set our hands on the six-speed manual transmission version (still with the V6). Now, that was what I was looking for. The weather wasn't all that great but good enough to drive with the top down.
At last, a real Mercedes-Benz sports car! Granted, the shifter felt a little notchy but the throws were short enough to please me. Accelerations became a real pleasure to perform and driving on twisty roads finally uncovered the sporty aspect of the SLK 320. That is what I was looking for.
Unfortunately, the car is not all that perfect. Though I really like the looks (the front end was slightly revised for 2000), the interior which is very stylish, comes a little short on creature comfort. I like to drive close to the wheel as I had been taught in the few racing schools I attended.
Then, we were able to switch vehicles and we woud up with the newer V6 powered version, the SLK 320 (Mercedes only had to invert the 3 and the 2 of the trim found on the trunk lid to identify the new car...not a too expensive deal!). Yes, it was an automatic again but we rapidly noticed how quieter the car became.
Naturally, it accelerated a lot faster and passing became even easier and safer. The V6 engine is a natural in this car. It should have been born that way! At the same time, we got reacquainted with a very convincing roadhandling and its very precise steering. A great car to drive!
A new 6-speed manual transmission
For the final leg, we finally set our hands on the six-speed manual transmission version (still with the V6). Now, that was what I was looking for. The weather wasn't all that great but good enough to drive with the top down.
At last, a real Mercedes-Benz sports car! Granted, the shifter felt a little notchy but the throws were short enough to please me. Accelerations became a real pleasure to perform and driving on twisty roads finally uncovered the sporty aspect of the SLK 320. That is what I was looking for.
Unfortunately, the car is not all that perfect. Though I really like the looks (the front end was slightly revised for 2000), the interior which is very stylish, comes a little short on creature comfort. I like to drive close to the wheel as I had been taught in the few racing schools I attended.