1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2004 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2004 Porsche Boxster is newer by 8 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2004 Porsche Boxster. (276 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Porsche Boxster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 619 kg more than 2004 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 (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Porsche Boxster. (310 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2004 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
