1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2005 Porsche Boxster is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche Boxster (225 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 460 kg more than 2005 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Porsche Boxster. (260 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Porsche Boxster. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 2005 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2360 mm |
