Mercedes-AMG SL63 vs Porsche 911 Carrera S vs Jaguar F-Type SVR: Running cost comparison
The Mercedes-AMG SL63 is an open road drop-top that has been designed to devour the highway as well as the competition. We take a closer look and compare running costs.
The Mercedes-Benz SL or Super-Leicht (Sport Light) was first introduced back in 1954 with the iconic 300SL and its legendary gullwing doors. Since its introduction the SL has become the brands luxury sports roadster, designed to cover ground at immense pace while offering style and sophistication. Unfortunately the SL range is nearing its expiry date as Mercedes-Benz is focusing on the AMG GT and its range of sporty SUVs. The age of the two-door roadster is nearing its end.
That said, the SL remains an attractive proposition and one which not many consider. Despite its rather niche market the SL faces some tough competition from the likes of Porsche and Jaguar. Should you consider an SL and in particular the AMG version, one must also consider the running costs involved to avoid unnecessarily high bills a few months into ownership.
The Mercedes SL 63 in more detail
The latest SL 63 AMG features the brands corporate design language and with it comes a prominent front bumper which features large air intakes for added cooling. Low and sleek the SL offers a long bonnet, under it a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo V8 which produces 430kW and an incredible 900Nm of torque. Outstanding performance, impressive driving characteristics and the expressive, stylishly honed design are the hallmarks of the new Mercedes-AMG SL63. The interior might be considered as snug but it offers a sense of comfort as well as sporty trimmings such as carbon fibre inserts on the facia and doors.
Unfortunately the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is no longer available as a new vehicle however, browsing AutoTrader we found a 2017 model with 14 000km for R1 999 950. This would translate to a monthly instalment of R31 339.69 when taken over 72 months with a 20% deposit and with the current interest at the time of this article of 7.75%.
Related: Mercedes-AMG GT vs BMW M850i vs Nissan GT-R: which one has the lowest running costs?
Porsche 911 Carrera S
For fairness, we have selected a used Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and after a quick search of the AutoTrader website we found one at the same price as the Mercedes-AMG SL 63. The model we found is a 2014 model year and like the Mercedes, it too has a retractable roof. This model offers refined looks, a wide body design and a refined interior. The 911 Turbo S is powered by a 3.8-litre, flat-six motor with twin-turbochargers. Power is rated at 412kW with 750Nm of torque.
Crunching the numbers the Porsche and Mercedes come out at similar amounts however it is worth noting that the Porsche which we have selected cost R2 646 000 in 2014, meaning that it has only lost around R646 000 in six years while only accumulating 9000km. The Mercedes cost R2 454 300 in 2017 meaning that it has depreciated by R454 300 in just three years.
Jaguar F-Type SVR
The Jaguar F-Type is one of the most eye-catching cars to come from the Jaguar stable. It is compact, elegant and truly captures the spirit of the famous E-Type. The most ferocious model of the lot is undoubtedly the SVR. It features more aggressive bumpers, larger vents and a big wing on the rear. Under the bonnet you will find a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that delivers 423kW and 700Nm of torque as well as one of the best exhaust sounds in the business.
Our search on AutoTrader found us a few examples, our choice of F-Type on the used market was one of the first to pop up, a near new 2018 convertible model with 7 000km on the clock, the sticker price, R1 699 000. Entering the numbers into the AutoTrader finance calculator we got a monthly repayment amount of R26 099.72 with an R200 000 deposit over 72 months with a 7.75% interest rate. The Jaguar is by far the cheapest on a monthly instalment bases and it is also the newest.
What about fuel consumption?
Manufacturer fuel claims can be taken with a few bags of salt as some of their claims are near impossible to achieve in the real world. That said, how much fuel your sports car consumes on a regular trip is up to you, the driver. Let’s take a closer look at the fuel consumption:
- Mercedes-AMG SL 63- 10.2 litres/100km: R1 032 to fill 75l tank at current R13.76per/l 95ron
- Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet- 9.7 litres/100 km: R921 to fill 67l tank at current R13.76per/l 95ron
- Jaguar F-Type SVR - 11.3 litres/100km: R908.16 to fill 66l tank at current R13.76per/l 95ron
How much are tyres?
Tyres on a high performance car such as these are extremely important. The provide contact with the road, heightened levels of grip and ultimately become the most important safety feature on your car, as with any car. Unlike most cars, the tyres fitted to these three cars have to handle a lot of power, this can lead to them wearing down faster. We also live in a country with poor road conditions, a pothole can do serious damage to a low-profile tyre as fitted to these.
Mercedes-AMG SL 63:
- Continental Sport Contact 5: Front: 255-35-19: R3 369. Rear 285-30-19 R4 879: total cost R16 496
Porsche 911 Turbo:
- Continental Sport Contact 3: Front 245-35-20: R R3 949. Rear 305-30-20: R5 209: total cost R18 316
Jaguar F-Pace SVR:
- Continental Sport Contact 6: Front 265-35-20: R5 359. Rear 305-30-20: R5 209: total cost R21 136
Our choice
With the information above we can conclude that the Porsche holds its value better than the Mercedes and Jaguar however it is a lot older for the same money. That being said, our choice would be the Jaguar. It costs less than the other two and is newer meaning that the service plan and warranty will most likely still be active. With will offset the extra cost for the tyres.