Why own a 6.9

[motec 6.9]

For those wondering what i like about the 6.9 Mercedes . Driving it is like sitting in a comfortable lounge chair. Then being pushed of a cliff

 

[Patrick_R]

Very interesting insight.

 

[Michel]

Then being pushed of a cliff

Please explain

 

[motec 6.9]

Please explain

Sitting in the seats of a W116 is just like sitting in a comfortable lounge chair. Then when you depress a certain pedal. You have the sensation of being in free fall backwards into the seat cushion. With to be honest about as much control as being pushed of a cliff in your lounge chair. But what a fair park ride it is. Leaving you like poor Oliver wanting more please.

 

[motec 6.9]

Very interesting insight.

Comfortable and terrifying all at the same time

 

[Patrick_R]

I’ve never had the pleasure, but I now want to.

 

[Styria]

I think for those that are taken for a brief ride can be quite an experience. Many cars have far greater acceleration from 0-100, but not all that many give you the feeling of greater potency. Let me explain. A close acquaintance has a well specced Honda Accord with a 3.5 litre V6 engine which is no slouch as far as acceleration is concerned. I took him for a quick ride along the Cumberland Highway and once Gleaming Beauty was up to about 40 km/h, I pulled it back to second gear and accelerated hard, but not tramping on the loud pedal so to speak. In next to no time I was up to 3500 rpm and acceleration seemed like a blur especially accompanied by the ferocious roar from the exhaust system. that characterizes Gleaming Beauty. All he could say was "please, that's enough" and I immediately eased off. I could tell he was uncomfortable.

I am not a believer in setting 0-100 times. I never fail to appreciate the ease with which Gleaming Beauty serenely responds to the slightest of throttle inputs with absolutely no effort. No need to change gears - just leave it in top gear and cruise along effortlessly. That's what a 6.9 is all about. Regards Styria

 

[Oversize]

I think it's all about the torque. Lots of cars have more power now, but they don't deliver the pulling power. The 6.9 just surges forward and drags the distant scenery closer. I have fond memories of driving the Fangio car on the Tullamarine Freeway and after putting my foot down maybe 1/2 way, I wondered in that moment why you'd need a car with more power! Very few cars can match the experience even after 50-odd years.

 

[Styria]

Mark, you are absolutely spot on - I could not have described it more accurately. It's all about that instant torque. Years ago I organized a car event, and one of the participants was driving a 560SEL. As we were leaving, he was following me and I drew away very quickly initially. Obviously, I caught him by surprise, but he did come up to me when we arrived at our destination and he simply remarked "geez, that thing of yours has got some acceleration". I don't need a car that can do 0-100 in five seconds or less - to what purpose ? Just think of the tyre wear ? Plus the possible wear in driveline components ? No point. Those are my thoughts.

Years ago, I organized another outing, this time with the Ferrari Owners Club going up to the Hunter Valley. I was pretty smug with the performance (ostensibly) capabilities of my Gleaming Beauty, but I was not prepared for the manner in which one of their 12 cylinder cars out fly past me when approaching an overtaking lane section. He was gone, much to my surprise. However, one of the participants was a really "wild" guy with a 6.3 and, according to some Ferrari owners, they complained that he was making it difficult (unduly so) at various times. That was quite funny. Mind you, it wasn't long therafter that his car's sliding joint (right rear) twisted and basically locked up the rear drive. That was a common occurrence with 6.3s - those axles weren't designed to cope with the fierce acceleration of the 6.3 engine. Regards Styria