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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