1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2009 Porsche Boxster is newer by 13 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2009 Porsche Boxster. (252 HP @ 7200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Porsche Boxster. (215 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Porsche Boxster. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 2009 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 | 2009 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 2901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 262 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
