1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2001 Porsche Boxster is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2001 Porsche Boxster. (217 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Porsche Boxster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 534 kg more than 2001 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 SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Porsche Boxster. (265 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Porsche Boxster. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2001 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 2001 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Porsche Boxster | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
Model | SL | Boxster |
Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2687 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 376 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 580 Nm | 265 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1266 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2360 mm |