SEC vs SLC - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Grammabud · #1 12-02-2005, 10:40 AM

Question, Can someone explain the differences between these models? On the surface they seem very simular.
Many thanks,
Grammabud

halman2228 · #2 12-02-2005, 12:59 PM

but they aren't even close to similar.

An SEC is the coupe version of the 126 chassis. I don't think any other chassis used this designation.

An SLC is the hard top version of the 107. Again, I don't think any other chassis used "SLC" unless it would be a much more recent model that I am not aware of (I don't know much about anything newer than the 1990 model year. Come to think of it, some would say I don't know much about any model years

)

You've come to a good place to learn about MBs - wander around the
forum(s) and read up. There is a vast amount of information and first hand knowledge herein.

Kevin

Walrus · #3 12-02-2005, 01:05 PM

I am no authority, so I'll not be able to add much, other than the obvious. The SLC is a chassis model 107, whereas the similar vintage SEC is a 126. That said, there are several mechanical similiarities, depending on the year model. The SEC is more of a brute (masculine) in my opinion, whereas the SLC is more svelte (feminine) in appearance. Each are sweet in their own regards. I do not think the SLC was available with the 5.6 litre US engine, but it was available with the euro 5.0, and other lower displacements, both US and Euro. The 126 was also available with diesel power.

The 126 was available from 1979 to 1991, whereas the 107 was available from early 70's thru 1985, IIRC.

Here is a brief model line-up of the 126:
W126 S,SE,SEC,SEL,SD,SDL Class
1979-1991 : 300 SE, 300 SEL, 380 SE, 380 SEL, 420 SEL, 500 SEL, 560 SEL, 380 SEC, 500 SEC, 560 SEC, 300 SD TURBODIESEL, 300 SDL TURBO, 350 SD TURBO, 350 SDL TURBO

Here is a brief, US line-up of the 107:
R107 SL/SLC Class
1971-1989 : 280SL, 450 SL, 350SL, 380 SLC, 450 SL, 380 SL, 560 SL

Euro versions of the 107 are 280, 300, 380, 420, 450, 500,

Hope this helps!

Walrus · #4 12-02-2005, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halman2228

...An SLC is the hard top version of the 107...

Kevin

One BIG difference worth noting... The 107 SLC was some 14" longer in wheelbase than the 107 SL, and was was designed to accomodate rear seat/passengers. Not simply a hard-top 107...

Grammabud · #5 12-02-2005, 01:42 PM

So.. Is one more desirable than the other assuming same year and engine?

Walrus · #6 12-02-2005, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grammabud

So.. Is one more desirable than the other assuming same year and engine?

If you are asking my opinion, I would prefer the 126. I have a 107 SL (roadster), and I do like the looks of the 107 SLC, but the 126 Coupe has a few more luxury appointments, and is probably (although I do not know this for a fact)more spacious inside. I would expect the ride of the 126 to be more solid and in keeping with a high-end automobile (plus I like the little headlight wipers).

Now whether or not one is more desired by the masses, I guess could be discerened by a cursory look at resale pricing for a given year. I have looked at 126's v/s 107's, a little bit, and found the 126 to carry a higher price, but this is hardly a scientific conclusion. I do not think either vehicle is necessarily a collectible; however, probably were not as many SLCs as SECs produced. I still peruse the 126 sale ads for a suitable car for my wife... I do not think I want a 140 or newer, unless it could be covered by a warranty.

ctaylor738 · #7 12-02-2005, 04:28 PM

Depends. The SEC is a big two-door with a full back seat and a huge trunk. More headroom, better sound system. SLC's are smaller and might be considered sportier. The SEC's seem to do better price-wise, probably because the SL crowd likes to take the top off.

I think that the SEC's were the most expensive cars by MB offered when new.

Grammabud · #8 12-02-2005, 04:36 PM

Great!!
Now I know the difference.
My thanks to all.

Bud

Walrus · #9 12-02-2005, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctaylor738

I think that the SEC's were the most expensive cars by MB offered when new.

Here is some interesting info:

1980 300SD $30K New
1980 450SEL $38K New 4 door 126
1980 450SL $36K New Sl Roadster 107
1980 450SLC $43K New 107 Coupe

Don't know what year the sec was first available. The movie industry destroyed a beautiful 560SEC in the Patrick Swayze movie, Roadhouse... Nice looking car!

Chris Blanchard · #10 12-02-2005, 05:15 PM

I've considered both cars for a third car here, but am leaning towards the SLC as it was available as a 280SLC with a 5-speed stick (Gray Market) and I've never seen/heard of an SEC with a standard shift.

maheath · #11 12-05-2005, 06:40 PM

For U.S. models, the SLC was from '73-'81. These were the 450SLC ('73-'80) and the 380SLC ('81). Of particular note is the 450SLC 5.0. These are fairly rare and were commonly used for racing. I don't think it was a U.S. model though.

The SEC was from '82-'91. These were the 380SEC ('82-'83), 500SEC ('84-'85), and the 560SEC ('86-'91).

SLCs, while initially costing more than the associated SLs, go for far less than the SL now. A 560SEC will currently cost you more than an equivalent condition 560SEL.

If I were choosing between an SLC and an SEC, I'd look first for a 560SEC. 5-10 years worth of improvements in technology and creature comforts.

jjrodger · #12 12-06-2005, 04:19 AM

The w126 SEC replaced the w107 SLC in mid-1981. Interestingly, it was assumed at the time that the r107 SL would be replaced by something also based on the w126 chassis.

You can see the difference: the SLC is a long-wheelbase fixed head r107 SL with pillarless side windows and the louvre detail on the rear quarter window. The SEC is a short wheelbase coupe of the w126 saloon again with pillarless side windows. The SLC is a more filagree design than the chunky SEC. Internally the SLC is a five seater (with a bench rear seat), whereas the SEC is a four seater having indiviudally and permanently divided rear seats.

The SEC has more modern engineering than the SLC, particularly in the powertrain department where the 5.0litre and 3.8litre V8s replaced the earlier 4.5litre motors; in Europe the Engery Concept was introduced, which involved reprogrammed fuel and transmission settings for marked improvements in economy. The SEC has the newer four speed auto. In short, the SEC is 1981 technology, whereas the SLC is 1971 tech. I assume the SEC is better in a smash.

Walrus · #13 12-06-2005, 08:39 AM

Here is a good listing of the 107 models... They did not have the same table for the 126. This info is not complete, as the production figures for the 107.048 560SL are missing, so table may not be all inclusive... There is a neat comparison figure for the SL/SLC as well. Decent site overall.

http://sherlock.holmes.net/w107.htm

Enjoy!