1971 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Boxster (255 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 25 kg more than 2012 Porsche Boxster.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Porsche Boxster (290 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4371 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1293 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2416 mm |
