1981 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1999 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 1999 Porsche Boxster is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Porsche Boxster (249 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 300 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Porsche Boxster (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | 1999 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2360 mm |
