Compare: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Class vs 2008 Audi R8 vs 2009 Cadillac XLR


	2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Class	2008 Audi R8	2009 Cadillac XLR

MSRP	$198,750	$113,500	$86,215
Invoice	$184,838	$105,555	$78,886
MPG City/Highway	11/21	13/20	15/24
Rating	8.4	8.4	8.4
Bottom Line	The SL’s new look isn’t to everyone’s liking, but in AMG guise, it’s now more punch than paunch—and a worthy stealth Ferrari-chaser.	The 2008 Audi R8 looks and sounds like an exotic, but it has the day-to-day livability and comfort of a grand-touring coupe.	The eye-catching 2009 Cadillac XLR starts with the sharp-edged Corvette and makes some compromises for the sake of grand-touring luxury.
Likes & Dislikes	Likes: Crisp handling and absorbent ride Great seats Class-leading safety Very tight-fitting top Feature-riffic: Airscarf! Dislikes: Styling can look dated Feels heavy in tight maneuvers Top restricts trunk space when down	Likes: Poster-car look, with surprising practicality Smooth, high-revving V-8 engine is great with either gearbox Well-balanced handling Firm but well-controlled ride Spectacular engine bay Dislikes: Rearward visibility can be challenging Arcing roofline and low seating position makes entry and exit difficult Only enough cargo space for a change of clothes	Likes: Fast acceleration Lusty V-8 engine sound Nicely integrated keyless entry/starting Dislikes: Not as responsive as its looks suggest Surprisingly small trunk Less refined than it should be
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