James1234

I am in the market for either a Mercedes SL500 or Lexus SC430. I have test driven both vehicles extensively and come to the conclusion that the SL is more sporty and fun to drive although the SC430 definitely has a softer and more luxurious ride to its advantage. Personally I prefer the exterior and interior styling of the SL over the SC430 because the Lexus barrows too much of its design from the Solara. However, the SC430 is certainly attractive considering it costs a good $40k less than a new SL.

At this point I am leaning towards the SC430 because the SL is a bit pricey, but I have a few nagging concerns regarding the safety of this vehicle. While the Mercedes SL has an automatic rollover protection bar, I can't seem to find any evidence of a rollover protection system on the SC430. Mercedes has had this feature on its SL since 1989... you would think that over a decade later, Lexus would provide a similar system on its SC. These days, even the $30k BMW 3 series and Audi A4 convertible have such important safety devices.

Two other important safety advantages of the SL500 are its side airbags and knee airbag. While the SC430 side airbags protect only the torso, the Mercedes side airbags are large enough to protect the torso AND the head. Also, the SL500 has a driver knee airbag as standard while the SC430 does not.

So at this point, the SC430 has the advantage of cost and reliability while the SL500 has the advantage of safety and performance. The question is, should I save some money and go with the reliability of the SC430 or spend more on an SL for piece of mind with rollover protection, head airbags, and knee airbags?

Thanks for any input.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

ummm, i always though the rear seat would act as the protection bar? just a wild thought though.

but i have to say, i have been thinking about the sl500 and the sc430 too. as much as i love the exterior and the interior design of the sl, i just can't give up the 40k savings, and the noticeably better built quality together with reliability. the sc430 is just a better built car over all (but i have to admit the fun part of the sl)

regarding the safety, i have to say that the airbag on the sl is better, but i am pretty sure lexus has some sort of roll over protection for sure.

and if you read overa ll the crush test, lexus has been always top notch, so i would assume the same on the sc430

also check your pm

silver_rx3

Actually I have heard that the windshield frame on the sc is the rolloever protection. You certainly wont go wrong with either car... Good Luck in you decision!

tfischer

Moses, smell the roses!

How in the world are you going to roll over this car?

If you are hit so hard in a side impact with a wheel-trip factor of such a configuration that the center of gravity actually shifts into into a plane above the center line, you're screwed anyway. I think you are catastrophising. Buy the car you like more and forget about going upside down.

The major reason the MB is safer is because it's in the shop so much you don't get to put as many miles on it as you would a Lexus.

sc430blue

I havent heard of the windshield pillar used as a structural rollover component on the SC430. I HAVE heard of new corvette using this concept.

tfischer

My recollection is that the windshield frame is built for rollover protection, as are the rear seat headrests, which is why they are solid and not adjustable.

Also, I always wear a helmet with the top down.

Well, maybe just a hat.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i wouldn't be surprised. that's why they aer both higher than the front seats, if you adjust the seat to a compfortable position

XZLR8

And the $40K you saved by buying the SC can buy quite a few hats....

GFerg

It seemed pretty safe to me when I test drove it.

James1234

Well even if the windshield were reinforced, which I'm sure it is, you would need a second point of elevated support behind you to avoid decapitating yourself on the assphalt. The windshield and the rear of the car alone wouldn't provide enough clearence.

The rear headrestraint idea is an interesting thought, although they don't appear to provide very much of a height difference over the front ones. If this were a feature, you would think Lexus would list it on their site.

Just so you guys can see what I'm talking about, here is an SL with the automatic rollbar manually raised:



And here you can see how the SL side airbag also protects the head:



Thanks for your replys!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

ummm, actually from the pic, and the normal way i sit inside the sc430, the rear headrest position they are just about the height of that rear protection bar on the sl. it's not much higher than the front. plus i notice that the rear headrest they are fixed? (or at least very hard to remove unlike the usual lexus), so i think that's for a reason?

Koma

iTrader: (3)

The solara is based upon the SC.
The SC430 was already being sold as the Solara was still in production.
They do look similar but the Solara came second.

Umbo

I think that if you rolled over an SC with the top down you would likely sustain a serious head injury. Lexus is probably banking on the fact that a rollover accident in this car is very unlikely. Safety is all about the odds.

iloveGS300

Hmm. I was not aware of this. Thats pretty shocking there is no roll over protection bar. I'll have to do some more research on the safely of this car. I wonder what Lexus explanation for this is?

tfischer

My SC is now for sale.

I'm buying a Hummer right away.