2002 Luxury Convertibles Over $55,000 Comparison Test

The cars assembled for this comparison represent the pinnacle of automotive design and technology. Their collective sticker prices total nearly $350,000, and we're talking about just four cars here. Any one of the four could be considered a dream car, but that doesn't mean they're perfect, by any means. With widely varying personalities, the cars each have their own unique appeal, so although we chose a winner, any one of the four could be the ideal car for you.

Our quartet of cars included two German legends (the Mercedes-Benz SL500 and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet), a head-turning Brit (the Jaguar XKR) and a Japanese newcomer (the Lexus SC 430). Each was loaded with every conceivable feature. From massaging seats to an $8,700 set of wheels, these cars are designed with no expense spared to provide the most unforgettable driving experience possible.

In order to assess the merits of our contestants properly, we did what any automotive hack with an on-loan convertible would do — we put the top down and hit Pacific Coast Highway. Warm, cloudless days made every car feel like a 10, so we tempered our opinions with tedious slogs through Los Angeles traffic just to make sure we didn't end up with a four-way tie for first.

When we returned, we submitted our evaluations and a winner was chosen, but to call the other three losers doesn't do them justice. When you're dealing with cars of this caliber, intangibles like image and reputation count almost as much as horsepower and seat comfort, so let our subjective assessments merely serve as a guide. If you're lucky enough to pilot any one of these cars on a sunny drive up the coast, rest assured you'll love every minute.