Originally posted by: bigsmooth Gotta say I disagree. I am not saying the cars are similar, I am saying they appeal to overlapping demographics. I have read many posts on other message boards such as Edmunds where the 'Vette is cross-shopped with the european cars.
Exhibit A: C&D "Topless Toys" comparison test from August 2001. Boxster S vs. M Roadster vs. SLK32 vs. Corvette.
These cars are all pretty different, and it's kind of a weird comparison test. However, I think C&D included them all in this comparo because there are people out there who would consider all of these choices given the price range. So C&D agrees that the 'Vette is at least part of the discussion.
Again, I don't think the 'Vette is the SLKs main competition, but I do think each car takes at least a few buyers from the other.
I have seen such comparison reviews and also don't know what to make of them, personally I think it is either they want to appeal to a broader market, or they are relying heavily on net discussions to gauge their reader base...are the comparisons valid?? I guess, but I still believe that the average MB customer would not really consider something like a Vette, Viper or Cobra as a viable alternative for something more "euro-roadser esque" they are just too different genres of cars.