Any time an automotive review begins with the following statements:  "It's not easy to compare the 2007 BMW M6 Convertible and the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. The whole idea teeters on the brink of the ridiculous...", you know you're about to read an an article that consistently attempts to convince you that despite the aforementioned warning, it somehow isn't ridiculous. 

Typically, any time statements of this nature preceding a review are made, three distinct sections follow, all three of which I will outline below.

First, there's the requisite ass-kicking the inferior of the two vehicles receives.  Normally, this ass-kicking is written off by the reviewer, because despite its deficient performance, the lesser of the two vehicles still performs at a level above that of any vehicle the reviewer will ever attain.  To make the dismissal of this ass-kicking more believable, the reviewer typically use words like "engrossing" and "enthralling" to compensate for the subordinate vehicle's performance inadequacies.

Secondly, there's the deliberation.  During the deliberation phase of the article, the reviewer again attempts to convince you that somehow the comparison of the two vehicles is relevant by highlighting several inconsequential features of both models (i.e., the availability of high definition radio). By attempting to showcase trivial features shared by both models, the reviewer attempts to create the false illusion that this in some way supports the basis for a comparison.

And finally, the third (and my favorite) section of the review: the cost factor is entered in.  Inevitably, it always ends with the fact that despite one vehicle's clear superiority when compared to its opponent, for the money, the other still performs respectably, somehow making it the better choice of the two.  Never mind the fact that if they were ever given the ability to actually keep one of the vehicles for their own private use they would always choose the vehicle that performed at the highest caliber, giving no relevance to cost; the reviewer's advice instead is to choose the lesser, a decision that by all indicators, is based solely on price.

How then should automotive comparisons be conducted?  In my modest opinion, rather than taking the absurd approach utilized above, I want to know - cost not a factor - which vehicle is the better of the two.  I'm an intelligent individual; I can form my own conclusions as to whether or not increased performance justifies increased price; but don't give me some ridiculous tripe explaining how despite its clear inferiority I should want the lesser of the two vehicles because it's cheaper and comes standard with parking proximity sensors.

That's not a comparison ladies and gentlemen; it's a joke.

To read the Mercedes SL65 AMG Vs. BMW M6 Convertible comparison and see the above-described plot in action, head over to Inside Line for the full review.

And a special thanks to our friend Jinx for the tip; we sincerely appreciate it.