We’re back for Episode 4 of Llandow Laps, and this time, Chris Harris is getting behind the wheels of two high-performance convertibles. The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and the Porsche 718 Spyder RS are both German drop-tops, but that’s where the similarities end. The Mercedes sends 585 PS to all four wheels courtesy of its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, while the rear-wheel-drive Porsche’s naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six produces 500 PS – though the 500kg weight difference between the cars should help to level the playing field.
The UK might be the convertible car-buying capital of Europe, but in the typical Llandow weather you’d struggle to see why. Dark clouds looming on the horizon and the usual amount of rainfall might just work in the sure-footed SL 63’s favour though, provided Chris can keep all that extra mass under control.
So, buckle up for another wheel-spinning Grudge Match, where we also explore the complexities of camera placement, baffling door handles, and Collecting Cars’ incredibly accurate lap-timing method.
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Llandow Laps is our exciting new series, hosted by Chris Harris at the ‘legendary’ Llandow Circuit in South Wales.
The concept behind Llandow Laps is to pitch two vehicles from the same genre against one another to see which is faster; and the first series will feature grand tourers (with a twist), hot hatches, supercars, roadsters, and restomods.
As well as showcasing the cars’ performance on track, the films will also reveal the behind-the-scenes work required to produce the end result, introducing some of the personalities from the Llandow Circuit and the Collecting Cars team.
The science bit: All cars featured in Llandow Laps will be unmodified from the specification seen on screen, they’ll be running with a full tank of fuel, and they’ll be fitted with sensible tyres available on the road cars from the factory.
Lap times will be recorded, and a winner of each head-to-head will be revealed – although there’ll be more focus on the driving experience and character of the cars than on the numbers alone.
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Looking to sell your collectible car and put it in front of a wide-reaching global audience? Enquire now:
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Follow Collecting Cars on:
Website –
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Twitter – / collectingcars_
Facebook – / collectingcarsltd
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#collectingcars #chrisharris #llandowlaps #MercedesSL63 #AMG #SL #SL63 #Porsche #PorscheSpyder #PorscheSpyderRS #grudgematch #laptime
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Is llandow ever not wet
Worst comparison ever. a GT vs almost track car? You should appreciate the merc for that performance, and its still a great daily and can run a 4h drive without any strains or fatigue. Imagine sitting for 4h in that porsche lol, sit there for 30min and you will understand how impractical of a car it is. so yes, for the track there are so many options better then the SL but thats just comparing apples and oranges, and for the haters, it's clear you never drove one. brilliant car! and basically it is the new amg gt with a roof lol, can't wait for comparison of the SL and the new GT!
And also i take all these races and drags from britain with grain of salt, carwow has the same problem, always wet, never reflects the real world but hey it is what it is
I wish they kept behind the scene stuff, behind the scene
great content from Chris as always, no-one wants all this faux production rubbish
On a dry circuit, that Spyder would kill the SL, in the wet….the AWD will probably mean the SL wins. Who knows. I'm at 3 mins and 9 secs…..lets see what happens and if i'm right.
That Mercedes just shows everything that’s wrong with modern cars. Bloated, overly complicated and too quick for every day use. Rubbish.
Is Chris going to run all these cars again in the dry?
Yes but on dry is another story as you know very well. Recommendable Mercedes SL for octogenarians
£173 for the Merc? What on earth are they smoking, looks like £55k car at most!
The one time there is a dry day at Llandow, you will see a Prius top this leaderboard..
Owning a convertible in the UK just seems pointless. When would you get to enjoy it?
Honestly, the stuff with the crew is getting fucking tired already guys….
Director needs to get a grip and stop yapping for half the video. No one cares about you pal.
What is more impressive is the time of the GR Yaris on track. Best value for money track toy
I just want to watch him drive the cars man
Chris Yaris…he's that guy from 5th Gear…the Car show…