Originally Posted by Stripes
Despite never having driven a SRT-6 (I have an '04 6-speed) I have driven a 2003 SLK32 AMG and I can tell you that while, IMHO the Mercedes might look better because of the AMG trim package, the car does not handle nearly as well as my 04 Ltd and it's ride it much, much rougher. Acceleration in the Mercedes didn't impress me much either (I realize it's heavier than the SRT-6) but I swear my little coupe would eat it up off the line.
I regularly do freeway off ramps (and street and highway cornering) at much, much more than the posted speed and my little unit has never offered as much as a twitch, regardless of how antiquated it's steering and suspension system is supposed to be. Again, I haven't actually driven an SRT-6 so I can't speak directly to your points, however...
Likewise, I haven't driven an SLK32, so I can't compare too much, although I'm guessing the Mercs may have been setup to feel less aggressive (since rough and raw usually don't equate with luxury). But just like stated in the article linked in the previous post, subjective feel and real performance numbers don't always match up (they said the xFire felt slower in the corners and didn't handle as well, despite it having a better lap time).
Also, one odd thing to me is that MSN Autos lists the SRT-6 coupe at 3240 lbs, and the SLK32 at 3220 lbs. I've always wondered why having a fixed roof somehow made the SRT6 heavier.
But who knows, either there's more government-mandated safety equipment, or those numbers aren't accurate...