1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2003 Porsche Boxster is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2003 Porsche Boxster. (225 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Porsche Boxster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 830 kg more than 2003 Porsche Boxster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Porsche Boxster. (261 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Porsche Boxster. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2003 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 2003 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2360 mm |
